A historic event took place in Vatican — the election of a new Pope, 69-year-old American cardinal Robert Francis Prevot
He accepted the papal title of Leo XIV, symbolically choosing a name borne by some of the most prominent pontiffs in the history of the Church. This marked the first time in the modern history of the Catholic Church that a leader of Vatican has been a star from the United States of America. The election occurred on the second day after the start of the closed conclave — the sacred ceremony of papal election that gathered cardinals in Vatican. His selection was confirmed during the voting, which became a leading decision amidst complex internal diplomatic and ecclesiastical negotiations. For the first time in the history of the Catholic Church, the head of the Apostolic See is a representative from America — a country that long has been among the world's superpowers. This decision undoubtedly resonates greatly and will mark a new era in the relationship between the Church and the global community. Robert Prevot was appointed a cardinal in 2023 by the late Pope Francis. He earned a reputation as a conservative yet moderate ideologue of Church policies. He gained particular experience in South America, especially in Peru, where he served for a long time in the city of Chiclayo. His active missionary work and managerial experience in various countries around the world made him a strong candidate capable of reconciling opposites and guiding the Church in contemporary conditions. A significant aspect of his election is the potential preservation of the legacy laid down by Pope Francis. Prevot, as a leader from Europe but with many years of experience within Latin American and American Church structures, is likely to continue a course of moderate reforms and seek compromises in the internal and external policies of the Vatican. Prior to the election of the new Pope, among the candidates actively discussed were Italian Cardinal Piero Parolin, Filipino Hierarch Luis Antonio Tagle, as well as Frenchman Jean-Marc Aveline, Hungarian Péter Erdö, and Italian Pierbattista Pizzaballa. The choice was finalized during a secret meeting of cardinals, the first after the funeral of Pope Francis, which took place on April 26. The voting ceremony demonstrated confidence in Prevot’s candidacy, providing grounds to speak of an increasing role of the USA within the global Catholic community. This event will undoubtedly have repercussions for international diplomacy and internal Church policy. Depending on his internal priorities, the new Pope might advocate for closer cooperation with the Ukrainian Church and for activating diplomatic initiatives in conflict regions. The wider society is already asking whether he will become a new friend of Ukraine within the Church, what vision of the future of the Vatican he has outlined, and what changes should be expected in ecclesiastical life under his leadership. Another important aspect concerns whether the new Pope will be able to transcend traditional frameworks and demonstrate a new approach to modern challenges. It is known that Prevot is an advocate of a moderate course, which could balance an already sensitive political and spiritual climate of the Church. His election creates new opportunities for the Church in a rapidly changing world and could stimulate a new phase in its history. Of course, time will tell whether Robert Prevot will become Leo XIV in the spiritual light of the Vatican and the global Church as a whole. But even now, his appointment provokes lively discussions both within ecclesiastical circles and beyond the Roman Curia. This is the beginning of a new chapter — a story that will, without a doubt, influence the fate of billions of believers and the entire world.