The conclave of cardinals, gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on Thursday, May 8, 2025 as the 267th Pope.
Prevost has taken the name Pope Leo XIV.
“Please keep our new Holy Father in your prayers as he takes on the responsibilities of leading the Church,” officials with the Roman Catholic Diocese of London stated on social media.
The 69-year-old was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, making him the first American-born Pope.
The St. Clair Catholic District School Board acknowledged the historical moment.
“History was made in Vatican City, as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:10 p.m. local time, signaling the election of a new pope,” school board officials said in a media release.
“Moments later, Robert Francis Prevost, 69, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as Pope Leo XIV — the newest spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. For Catholic communities around the world, this moment is both historic and deeply personal — and that includes the students, staff, and families of St. Clair Catholic.”
Lisa Demers, Director of Education, added: “There’s a sense of joy and renewal that comes with the announcement of a new pope. It reminds us that the Church is alive, moving forward, and that our young people are part of something much bigger than themselves. We look forward to walking with them as they learn about Pope Leo XIV and what his leadership will mean for the world — and for their own faith journeys.”
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, St. Clair Catholic joins the global Church in prayer and hope.
His message, delivered with humility and grace from the balcony of St. Peter’s, sets the tone for a future rooted in compassion, unity, and service — values we strive to live out every day in our schools, school board officials added.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney offered congratulations in a statement.
“I join Catholics in Canada and around the world in congratulating Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on his election as Pop,” Carney stated.
“The white smoke rising above the Sistine Chapel signals the beginning of a new papacy – a moment of renewal, hope, and unity for more than a billion faithful worldwide. This is a historic moment for the Catholic community and for all those who look to the Vatican for guidance.”
Carney added: “Canadians offer best wishes to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as he begins his papacy. At a time of profound global challenges, may his pontificate be marked by wisdom, discernment, a deep commitment to common good, and dignity of all. Canada looks forward to working with His Holiness to build a world guided by solidarity, justice, and sustainability.”
The process for electing a new pope started last month after the death of Pope Francis, who had served as pope since 2013.
