World Watches as Vatican Picks New Leader After Pope Francis Dies at 88
A New Pope is Chosen After Pope Francis Passes Away
It was a very important day in Vatican City. The Catholic Church needed a new leader because Pope Francis had died. He was 88 years old. The Vatican said he passed away on April 21. Cardinal Kevin Farrell shared the sad news. He said, with great sadness, “Our Holy Father Francis has returned to the home of the Father.” He said Pope Francis always worked hard for the Church. He also said, “He taught us to live the Gospel, to help the poor, and to show love to everyone.” The Church had to say goodbye to Pope Francis.
When a pope dies, the Church has nine days of mourning. People pray and remember him. Then, everyone wonders who the next pope will be. Many people watched and waited for the news.
How the New Pope is Picked
The Catholic Church has a special way to pick a new pope. Only the cardinals can vote. Cardinals are very important church leaders. There are more than 240 cardinals around the world. But only cardinals under 80 years old can vote. This time, there were 138 cardinals who could vote.
The cardinals meet in a secret meeting called a conclave. They go inside the Sistine Chapel. The doors are locked. No one can talk to the outside world. The cardinals do not have phones or newspapers. They promise to keep everything secret.
Inside the chapel, they vote up to four times a day. They write down the name of the person they want to be pope. To become pope, a person must get two-thirds of the votes. If no one gets enough votes, black smoke comes out of the chapel chimney. This means no pope has been chosen. When a new pope is picked, white smoke comes out. The bells ring, and everyone cheers.
This time, people waited for two days. At first, there was black smoke. Then, on May 8, white smoke came! Bells rang out over St. Peter’s Square. People clapped, cheered, and some even cried. The Catholic Church finally had a new leader.
[[newcontainer]]
America’s First Pope: Pope Leo XIV
The new pope’s name is Cardinal Robert Prevost. Now, he is called Pope Leo XIV. He is 69 years old. This is a big moment in history. Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope ever. He was born in Chicago, United States.
Before he became pope, Pope Leo XIV did many things. He was Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023. He was also the general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013. Now, he will lead the world’s 1.39 billion Catholics.
Pope Leo XIV follows Pope Francis, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday. He had been pope for 12 years. After Pope Francis died, the cardinals met in Rome to choose the next pope. It is a difficult job. The new pope is seen as the successor to St. Peter, the very first pope.
The cardinals voted in secret. They could not leave the Vatican. Only when one person got enough votes did they send out the white smoke. When the new pope was chosen, he was asked if he would accept. He said yes and chose the name Pope Leo XIV.
Historic Moments in the Vatican
When the cardinals picked Pope Leo XIV, there were many special moments. Video showed Pope Leo XIV hugging other cardinals. He prayed quietly in the Sistine Chapel. He smiled and waved as he left the chapel. The other cardinals clapped for him.
People all around the world watched the news. Some said on social media, “A moving display of unity and humility—may Pope Leo XIV’s embrace of his fellow Cardinals guide his pontificate in service and brotherhood.” Others wrote, “A powerful moment of fraternity and grace. Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate not with fanfare, but with embrace…echoing Christ who came to serve, not to be served.”
[[newcontainer]]
When the new pope walked onto the balcony at St. Peter's Basilica, everyone was quiet. Then he spoke. His first words as pope were, “May peace be with all of you.” He talked about Pope Francis and said, “The pope that blessed Rome gave his blessing to the whole world on that Easter morning. So let us follow up that blessing.”
Pope Leo XIV said he wants the Church to be a place for everyone. He said, “Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, establishes dialogues.” He thanked the cardinals who picked him. He said, “Thank you to my cardinal brothers who chose me to be the successor of Peter and to walk together with you as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice, working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear, proclaiming Christ, to be missionaries, faithful to the gospel.”
Why Did He Choose the Name Leo?
A lot of people wondered why the new pope picked the name Leo XIV. Popes do not have to change their names, but most do. They often pick a name from a past pope they admire.
The last Pope Leo was Leo XIII. He was pope from 1878 to 1903. He was known for helping people and for his smart ideas. He wrote a famous letter called ‘Rerum Novarum,’ which means ‘Of New Things.’ It talked about how to treat workers fairly. Father Vito Crincoli, a Church leader, said, “Looking to the history, Leos were strong popes. Like Leo XIII, he loved his people. His people, he considered man not a machine. A man's work was a reflection of his dignity.”
No one knows exactly why Pope Leo XIV picked this name. But many think he wants to be a strong leader, just like Leo XIII.
Pope Leo XIV’s Family Reacts to the News
Pope Leo XIV is the youngest of three brothers. He grew up in Chicago. His brothers’ names are John and Louis. They are very proud of him. But they have not been able to talk to him much since he became pope. The new job is very busy!
[[newcontainer]]
Louis told the news, “We used to tease him all the time -- you're going to be the pope one day.” He said their neighbors used to say the same thing. Now, their little brother really is the pope! John said, “I'm the Pope's brother. It sounds like my mind is still blown.”
Louis shared a story, saying, “John tried to get a hold of him, and he did get through to him. Surprisingly, I haven't been able to, but then those two are closer together age-wise, and spent more time together than I did.”
John told reporters that he only got 30 seconds to talk to his brother. He also said, “Yes, it's going to take a while, the shock, initial shock, hasn't worn off. I don't know that it ever will, because this is going to go on, I assume, for the rest of his life.” The family wonders when they will get to see him again. Louis said, “We're hoping to hear something, because we're trying to figure out when we should go there. Will we be able to have that brother relationship anymore, or will you be too sharing it with the world? Now, with being Pope, you'll be sharing him with the world.”
They also talked about what their parents would have thought. John said, “I'm concerned. It is quite a responsibility that he's going to face now because he's got the task of trying to bring the world's Catholics together. I think we're splitting apart quickly.” He hopes his brother can bring people in the Church together again.
People Around the World Celebrate a New Pope
After the white smoke came out, people everywhere celebrated. Many people in the United States felt proud. This was the first time an American became pope. Even former President Donald Trump said, “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.” He also wrote, “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
People are very excited to see what Pope Leo XIV will do. Some think he will bring new ideas and hope to the Church. Others are happy that he cares about families and workers, just like Leo XIII did.
The New Pope’s Plans for the Church
When Pope Leo XIV spoke to the crowd, he asked for peace and kindness. He said, “May peace be with all of you.” He wants the Church to be a place where everyone is welcome. He said, “That’s always open to receive, on this piazza with open arms, to be able to receive everybody that needs our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.”
[[newcontainer]]
Pope Leo XIV wants to build bridges between people. He wants the Church to help everyone, not just Catholics. He hopes people can talk to each other and help make the world better.
Important Traditions and the Meaning of the Papal Conclave
Choosing a new pope is full of traditions. The conclave has happened for many years. Sometimes, it takes a long time. The longest conclave was in 1268. It lasted over two years! But this time, it only took two days.
The cardinals vote in secret. When they agree, they burn the ballots with special chemicals. This makes the white smoke come out. People all over the world watch and wait for that smoke.
Once the new pope is chosen, he can pick a new name. Most popes do this to honor a past pope or to show what kind of leader they want to be.
What This Means for the Catholic Church
Pope Leo XIV is now the 267th pope. He will lead Catholics all over the world. Many people look to him for guidance and hope. Some people are worried because the Church faces many challenges. There are fewer people going to church. Some people disagree about Church rules.
John, Pope Leo’s brother, said, “Maybe he can do something to bring it back. People are leaving the church. There are factions in the church... I think he's got to face those things and somehow talk about it and bring people together to talk about it, to get worldwide opinion.”
[[newcontainer]]
Pope Leo XIV has a big job ahead. He will need to help millions of people. He will have to be a good listener and a strong leader.
A New Chapter for the Church and the World
The world is watching to see what Pope Leo XIV will do. Many people hope he will bring peace, love, and kindness to everyone. People in Chicago, where he was born, are very proud. Catholics everywhere are waiting to hear his plans.
Pope Leo XIV has already talked about building bridges and helping the poor. He wants the Church to work for justice and fairness. He asks everyone to work together. He said in his first speech, “Working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear, proclaiming Christ, to be missionaries, faithful to the gospel.”
It is a time of change and hope for the Catholic Church. With Pope Leo XIV as the new leader, many believe good things will come.
Looking Ahead with Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV begins his job as pope with the love of his family and the eyes of the world on him. His brothers are proud and a little worried. Many people are excited to see an American in this important role.
He wants to unite the Church and help everyone feel welcome. He wants to keep the memory of Pope Francis alive by spreading kindness and peace. Catholics everywhere are watching and hoping for a brighter future.
This is a new and historic time for the Church. Pope Leo XIV will write the next chapter in the story of the Catholic faith. People are ready to support him and follow the path he sets.
Everyone waits to see what the future holds for Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic Church.
<p></p>
<p></p>
[[viralarticle]]