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Bells ring at Annunciation Catholic Church with the news

CARIE EDWARDS

CORRESPONDENT TO THE DAILY NEWS 

 

In a moment of historic significance for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the 268th pope, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. The conclave of cardinals convened following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, and selected Prevost on May 8, 2025, after two days of deliberation. He has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV, evoking the legacy of leadership and doctrinal clarity associated with previous pontiffs of the same name

The announcement was made from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as the traditional white smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel, signal

ing to the world that a new leader of the Catholic church had been conferred. Moments later, Pope Leo XIV greeted the gathered faithful and millions watching around the globe. 

In Bogalusa, parishioners at Annunciation Catholic Church marked the moment with a local tradition. Teddy Drummond, a long-time member of the parish, was at the church when the news broke and had the honor of ringing the church bell to signal to the town that a new pope had been chosen. “I was shocked that an American was chosen,” Drummond said. “But I believe this will help strengthen Catholicism in America.”

Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Francis Prevost was ordained a priest in 1982 and served as a missionary in Peru for many years. A member of the Order of St. Augustine, he became known for his pastoral leadership. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most influential positions in the Roman Curia.

Prevost’s election marks a turning point in Church history. Though American cardinals have long held influence within the Vatican, none have ever been elected pope- a reflection of historical caution about choosing a leader from a global superpower. That hesitancy was overcome, analysts say, by Prevost’s broad international experience and reputation for humility and consensus-building. 

By choosing the name Leo XIV, Pope Prevost aligns himself with a lineage of popes who were seen as strong defenders of Church doctrine and unity. The most notable among them Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903), was known for his intellectual rigor and his social encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed workers’ rights and the conditions of the poor- themes that still resonate today.

Pope Leo XIV assumes the papacy at a time of both challenge and opportunity. The church continues to address issues of clerical abuse, declining attendance in many Western nations, and a need for greater inclusion of women and lay voices. At the same time, Catholicism is flourishing in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The formal papal inauguration mass is scheduled to take place later this week in St. Peter’s Square, with world leaders, religious representatives, and pilgrims expected to attend. As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, the world, as well as Catholics locally, will be watching closely to see how this American pope will shape the future of the church.