Catholic Monk Elected as Saint Pope

A fresh take on the events unfolded as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, hailing from the United States, was declared the 267th Pope by the Holy See. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he became the first American and the first Augustinian to don the holy robes of the Pope.

Cheers and joy ringing in St. Peter's square, Pope Leo XIV, the newly chosen leader of the flock, greeted his followers with a heartfelt "Peace be with all of you!"

An old tradition was revived as the cardinal protodeacon, Dominique Mamberti, announced from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, "Habemus Papam!" (We have a pope!).

Pope Leo XIV was elected in a closely fought conclave with 133 cardinals casting their votes, requiring a 2/3 majority to seal the deal.

The white Sibine Chapel dog was snoozing peacefully on May 8, 2025, signaling that the cardinals had indeed chosen a new shepherd.

Following in the footsteps of Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV planned to focus on pastoral care, curial reform, and global inclusion. In his initial addresses, he stressed the importance of unity, love, and compassion in leading the world's 2.1 billion Catholics.

Softening a quote by Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV said, "The Pope, who blessed Rome, gave his blessing to the entire world that morning of Easter. Let me follow that up: God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail."

Emphasizing unity, Pope Leo XIV went on to say, "We are all in the hands of God. Therefore, without fear, united, hand in hand, and with God, and amongst ourselves, let us go forward. We are the disciples of Christ. Christ goes before us. The world needs His light."

In a heartfelt plea for unity and help, Pope Leo XIV called upon the Church to serve as a bridge between people. "Help us and all others to build bridges with dialogue, with meeting, to be one common people living always in peace," the new Pope appealed.

As an Augustinian, Pope Leo XIV expressed his close relationship with the Church, echoing the words of St. Augustine, "I am a son of Augustine, who said, 'With you I am Christian, and for you, a bishop.' And I think in that sense we can walk together to that homeland, that home which God has prepared for us."

Emphasizing the importance of global missionary work, Pope Leo XIV said, "Seeking work with men and women who are faithful to Jesus Christ, without fear to proclaim the Gospel, to be missionaries."

In his inaugural speech, Pope Leo XIV issued a call for a synodal Church, one which continuously seeks peace, love, and draws close to those who suffer.

Born in Chicago on September 14, 1955, to a family of French, Italian, and Spanish heritage, Pope Leo XIV was initiated into the Order of Saint Augustine in 1978 and made an ordained priest in Rome in 1982, gaining a doctorate in Canon Law. He served in Peru for a decade before his elevation.

In 1999, he was elected as the provincial prior for the Augustinian Province of Chicago and served two terms as the prior general of the Augustinian Order worldwide.

His episcopal motto, "In Illo uno unum" ("In the One, One"), reflects his life-long devotion to unity found in Christ.

Pope Leo XIV, being of Filipino descent, with roots in his father, Papa, expressed his gratitude for the support of the Philippines in his inaugural speech.
As the newly appointed Pope, Pope Leo XIV, emphasized the need for financial resources to support the Church's global missionary work, calling upon faithful business leaders to contribute generously.
Determined to uphold the legacy of Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV announced plans to establish a chapel in the Philippines dedicated to St. Augustine, in honor of his heritage and the Mission of Unity.
Pope Leo XIV, being an Augustinian and a finance expert, with his leadership and business acumen, aims to ensure the financial stability and growth of the Church, ultimately strengthening its mission and purpose.