The election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, marks the first time a North American has ascended to the papacy, a development both unexpected and deeply symbolic for the global Catholic community.

The announcement came after the fourth round of voting by the conclave, as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling to those gathered in St Peter’s Square that a new pope had been chosen.

Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the protodeacon, delivered the traditional “Habemus Papam” declaration, introducing Pope Leo XIV to the world.

Who is Pope Leo XIV?

At 69, Pope Leo XIV brings a wealth of pastoral and administrative experience to the role.

Ordained as an Augustinian priest, he spent years in missionary work in Peru, eventually becoming a bishop there.

His dual citizenship and deep ties to Latin America resonate with the Church’s growing demographic shift toward the Global South.

In his first address, delivered in both Italian and Spanish, Pope Leo XIV emphasised themes of peace, unity, and inclusivity.

He paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, and called for a Church that listens and walks together—a nod to the synodal path initiated by Francis.

Why is he called Leo XIV?

The choice of the name Leo XIV is noteworthy.

It is a nod to Pope Leo XIII, known for his writings of “Rerum Novarum” — or “Capital and Labour” — which addressed the rights and conditions of workers.

This connection suggests a continued focus on social justice and the dignity of labour, aligning with the Church’s longstanding commitment to the marginalised.

What kind of Pope will he be?

Pope Leo XIV’s election comes at a time of significant challenges for the Church, including internal divisions, calls for reform, and a need to re-engage with the faithful in increasingly secular societies.

His background suggests a pontificate that will seek to bridge divides, uphold tradition while embracing necessary change, and renew the Church’s mission in the modern world.

As the Catholic Church embarks on this new chapter, Christians are being asked to pray for Pope Leo XIV, that he may lead with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith, that his papacy would be a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring presence of the Holy Spirit guiding the Church through the ages.

“Very much of the line of Pope Francis”

Associate Professor Joel Hodge, national head of the School of Theology at the Australian Catholic Church University, joined Hope Breakfast to discuss the historic election of Pope Leo XIV.

“He’s had a very interesting history, really risen through the ranks very quickly,” Professor Hodge said.

“He can bring his knowledge of the Vatican already to that because there are various issues the Church needs to confront, reforms that it needs to make.

“The sexual abuse crisis, of course, is something that’s ongoing and the importance of safeguarding, also investigating crime.

“He was signalling in his first speech that he was very much of the line of Pope Francis… accompanying people, being with people, loving them, seeking to be alongside them.

“We also saw him wear those traditional vestments as well… the red being of blood… being ready to sacrifice oneself.”

Professor Hodge anticipates Pope Leo XIV will face challenges like internal reform and navigating ideological divides within the Church, while maintaining traditions and addressing global issues.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva

About the Author: Joni Boyd is a writer, based in the Hawkesbury Region of NSW. She is passionate about the power of stories shared, to transform lives.

The Catholic Church finds itself at another pivotal moment in history: the election of a new Pope, known as the ‘conclave’.

Associate Professor Joel Hodge, the national head of the School of Theology at the Australian Catholic University explains the process:

What is a conclave?

Pope Francis passed away 21 April, 2025.

When a pope dies, cardinals from around the world gather in the Vatican to elect a replacement in a secretive and deeply spiritual process called the ‘conclave’ which must commence 15 to 20 days after the passing of a pope.

The Catholic Church will elect the 267th pope commencing May 7th and 135 Cardinals from around the world who are under 80 years of age will be eligible to vote.

“They’ll be sequestered (isolated and hidden away), they’ll be put into private quarters in Casa Santa Marta and then they’ll be working and voting in the Sistine Chapel and they’ll be doing that in private, away from other people – no phones, no communications,” said Associate Professor Joel Hodge.

“A deeply spiritual and prayerful time”

“They’ll start on the 7th – they’ll have one vote that day and they’ll start it within the atmosphere of prayer, reflection, discussion,” says Hodge.

“The cardinals will be within that kind of spiritual atmosphere. 

“Some people might have seen the movie ‘Conclave’, all the machinations that happened and drama and certainly there’ll be discussions amongst the cardinals and different viewpoints and so on.

“But it is important to remember that there is a spiritual, prayerful atmosphere at a conclave. 

“All of these men are men of prayer.

“They are going to be seriously trying to discern the Holy Spirit… in terms of selecting a new leader.”

The Process of Voting

Each day the Cardinals vote twice in the morning and twice in the evening using a secret hand-written ballot.

According to Hodge, “From that first day, they’ll have four votes each day. 

“If they can’t get to a 2/3 majority, which is what’s required to elect a new Pope, after three days then the cardinal electors can have a day of prayer and reflection and then start the vote again.

“And then there’s another process. 

“If they can’t vote a successful candidate at 2/3 majority, if they don’t get to it at that point, they can look to narrow the field down to two people.

“But hopefully they will get it in that first three days. 

“Pope Francis was elected after two days, so hopefully a candidate will emerge clearly in that period.”

There’s no limit to how long the process can take, with the longest conclave in history having lasted three years.

The ballots are expected to be held at approximately 8.30pm and 10pm and 3.30am and 5am eastern Australian time.

What Does the Black and White Smoke Mean?

“The smoke will appear after each vote,” Hodge explains.

“So after each vote, each cardinal elector will come to the scrutineers – there’s three of them. 

“They [the 135 cardinals] elect those scrutineers who are cardinals themselves and they collect the votes and then they burn the votes if it’s not successful.

“And the black smoke will go up with those burnt votes which say,“No election yet, not the 2/3 majority.”

“And then we look for the white smoke – that’s when the excitement occurs.

“There is a 2/3 majority and then quickly that cardinal will be asked by the dean of the College of Cardinals, does he accept the position, and what name will he take, and he’ll then get dressed in the papal dress.”

From the balcony, the senior cardinal deacon will announce “Habemus Papam” – “We have a pope” before the new pope proceeds out and imparts his blessing on the city of Rome and the world.

Is There a Favourite?

Just four cardinals are from the Oceania region, including Ukranian-born Melbourne-based Cardinal Mykola Bychok.

When Hodge was asked if there are any favourites that are likely to be elected, he replied:

“Any favourite going into a conclave is precarious.”

So, the old Italian saying, “you go into the conclave a Pope and you come out a cardinal,” highlights the unpredictable nature of the papal conclave, where the cardinals may choose a less expected candidate.

Christians Are Asked To Pray

Hodge urges us to, “Pray that the Holy Spirit is working in this process and that the cardinals… be able to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit.”

“Pray for a really good person who can really be alive with the spirit of Jesus and be able to present and manifest the gospel in a really clear way to the world.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva