After the dramatic and unexpected death of Pope Francis, all eyes were on the Vatican and the famous conclave in early May. Many were wondering who the new head of the Catholic church would be. Would it be an African? A Filipino? Maybe even an American? It was essentially anyone’s race! This election was the largest ever papal conclave, with 133 cardinals, so many thought it could take many days for the new pope to be elected, but after just four rounds of voting, (in less than two days) American Cardinal Robert Prevost came out on top, and adopted the name Leo XIV (14th) in honor of Pope Leo XII (13th).

Pope Leo XIV is from Chicago, (go Midwest!) but is also a dual citizen of Peru, having served as a missionary and then as a bishop there. It’s a significant achievement to be the first North American ever elected Pope. Leo XIV is also seen as a relative centrist in the political sphere and has been critical of the American government, but does not support abortion nor same sex marriage. For now, time will only tell what this new Pope will bring to both Catholicism and the world.