Introduction to the New Pope
Southern California Catholics joined parishioners from around the world Thursday to celebrate a historic moment with the election of the first pope from the United States.
Formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost chose the name Leo XIV and emerged from the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica to a cheering crowd as the 267th pope to lead the Catholic Church. The Chicago-born Prevost, who at a relatively young 69 could serve for decades, was in charge of the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru until 2023, when Francis brought him to Rome.
The New Pope’s Background
He was prefect of the Vatican’s powerful dicastery for bishops, in charge of vetting nominations for bishops around the world. He also served as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, which keeps him in regular contact with members of the Church in that part of the world.
Viva Papa! Viva Papa Leo XIV! pic.twitter.com/pK08XEPvwT— Archdiocese of LA (@lacatholics) May 8, 2025
Reaction from Los Angeles
Archbishop José H. Gomez was scheduled to speak on the election of Pope Leo XIV at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles. A Mass is scheduled for 12:10 p.m.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles shared word of the selection of the new pope, posting on social media, "LA Catholics give thanks to God for His Holiness Pope Leo XIV."
The Conclave Process
Earlier Thursday, the crowd outside the Basilica erupted in cheers at the sight of white smoke pouring from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating a new pope had been chosen on the second day of the papal conclave.
The conclave began Wednesday, a day that ended with black smoke billowing out of the chapel chimney, signaling no pope had been chosen. Some of the cardinals had said they expected a short conclave, but recent history suggested a few rounds of voting would be necessary.
For much of the past century, the conclave has needed between three and 14 ballots to find a pope. John Paul I — the pope who reigned for 33 days in 1978 — was elected on the fourth ballot. His successor, John Paul II, needed eight.
The Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis was elected on the fifth in 2013.
Francis, a former archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the first Latin American pontiff, died April 21 in the Vatican at age 88 — one day after Easter. He served as pope for 12 years.
A pair of Francis’ shoes were put on display at the downtown Los Angeles cathedral. The shoes were a gift from the late pope to Noel Díaz, an evangelist and journalist from Los Angeles.
Watch live in St. Peter’s square as we await our new #pope!
📸: @osvnews
Watch: https://t.co/nPhrnI1XwL pic.twitter.com/5p6r6Nzoao— Archdiocese of LA (@lacatholics) May 8, 2025
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Archbishop Gomez said Francis "was always very close to all of us here at the archdiocese Los Angeles. He sent us a beautiful message during the wildfires, and he was always in touch with us."
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles comprises a vast region of Southern California spanning three counties, Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara. As of 2005, the total Roman Catholic population within the Archdiocese stood at 4.3 million. There are 288 parishes in 120 cities.
Conclusion
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new era for the Catholic Church, and Los Angeles Catholics are eager to see the impact of his leadership. With his experience and background, Pope Leo XIV is well-equipped to lead the Church into the future.
FAQs
Q: Who is the new pope?
A: The new pope is Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost.
Q: Where is Pope Leo XIV from?
A: Pope Leo XIV is from the United States, specifically Chicago.
Q: How old is Pope Leo XIV?
A: Pope Leo XIV is 69 years old.
Q: What was Pope Leo XIV’s role before becoming pope?
A: Before becoming pope, Pope Leo XIV was the prefect of the Vatican’s powerful dicastery for bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Q: How did the Archdiocese of Los Angeles react to the election of Pope Leo XIV?
A: The Archdiocese of Los Angeles shared word of the selection of the new pope on social media and scheduled a Mass and speech by Archbishop José H. Gomez.
