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Vatican City, May 11, 2025 —
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election on May 8, 2025, followed the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. The conclave, one of the swiftest in modern history, concluded in just 20 hours with overwhelming support, securing over 100 votes in favor of the new pontiff. He is now the head of the Catholic Church the world’s largest Christian denomination, with an estimated 1.28 to 1.4 billion baptized members. As one of the oldest and most influential global institutions, it has profoundly shaped Western civilization throughout history.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born pope and the first to hold dual U.S. and Peruvian citizenship. He is also the first pontiff from the Order of Saint Augustine. His extensive background includes missionary work in Peru, serving as Bishop of Chiclayo, and later as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops—a role that prepared him for this global leadership position.
In his inaugural address to the College of Cardinals, Pope Leo XIV emphasized continuing the reforms and inclusive vision of his predecessor, Pope Francis. He underscored the Church’s need to address modern challenges, including the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, while reaffirming the transformative legacy of the Second Vatican Council. His election marks a historic milestone for the Catholic Church, signaling a new era focused on social justice, interfaith dialogue, and engagement with contemporary global issues.
The new Head of state of Vatican City
Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is a landlocked sovereign city-state entirely enclosed within Rome, Italy. It gained independence from Italy in 1929 under the Lateran Treaty and is governed by the Holy See, which oversees its temporal, diplomatic, and spiritual affairs.
With an area of 49 hectares (121 acres) and a population of approximately 882 (as of 2024), it is the smallest sovereign state in the world by both size and population. The Vatican’s economy is supported by tourism (including the Vatican Museums), stamp and coin sales, publications, and donations. Lay workers in Vatican City enjoy living standards comparable to those in Rome. Additional industries include printing, mosaic production, and the manufacture of staff uniforms. Among the most iconic landmarks in Vatican City is St. Peter’s Basilica, renowned as one of Italy’s greatest architectural and artistic masterpieces. Its awe-inspiring dome, magnificent frescoes, and breathtaking sculptures draw millions of visitors from around the world each year
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