The election of Pope Leo XIV has sparked renewed interest in one of the oldest and most sacred processes in the world—the election of a pope. For Catholics and curious onlookers alike, this guide provides a clear, comprehensive overview of how popes are chosen, what the Church teaches about the papacy, and what we know so far about our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.
Table of Contents
1. What Is a Pope?
The pope is the Bishop of Rome and the earthly head of the Catholic Church. Also known as the Supreme Pontiff, he serves as the visible sign of unity for over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. Catholics believe that the pope is the successor of Saint Peter, to whom Christ entrusted the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven (cf. Matthew 16:18-19).
The pope’s role includes teaching doctrine, governing the Church, and preserving the unity of the faithful. As the Vicar of Christ, the pope acts not as a political ruler, but as a spiritual father to the universal Church.
2. The Biblical and Historical Roots of the Papacy
The foundations of the papacy lie in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says to Peter:
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18).
Peter went on to become the first bishop of Rome, and from his time onward, a line of successors has continued unbroken—making the papacy the oldest continual office in the world.
Throughout history, popes have guided the Church through persecution, reformation, division, and renewal. While not every pope has been a saint, the office has endured as a stabilising force and a sign of Christ’s enduring presence in His Church.
3. The Role and Authority of the Pope Today
Catholic teaching holds that the pope has full, supreme, and universal authority over the whole Church (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 882). His decisions in matters of faith and morals are binding, especially when he speaks ex cathedra (from the chair of Peter), invoking papal infallibility.
However, the pope is not above the Church. He is bound to uphold and defend the deposit of faith—Scripture and Tradition—as handed down by the apostles.
Key responsibilities of the pope include:
- Appointing bishops around the world
- Leading synods and councils
- Issuing encyclicals and apostolic letters
- Defending doctrine against heresy
- Representing the Church on the world stage
4. What Happens When a Pope Dies or Resigns?
When a pope dies, the See of Rome becomes vacant (sede vacante), and the Church enters a period of mourning and preparation. If the pope resigns, as Pope Benedict XVI did in 2013, the same process is followed.
During this time:
- The College of Cardinals takes temporary leadership of the Church.
- The Vatican is sealed to preserve confidentiality and prevent political influence.
- Preparations are made for the conclave—a secretive and prayerful process to elect a new pope.
- No major decisions or doctrinal declarations can be made until a new pope is elected.
5. How a Papal Conclave Works
The conclave (cum clave, Latin for “with a key”) is the highly secret and spiritually serious process by which the new pope is elected.
Key Steps:
- Gathering of Cardinals: All cardinals under the age of 80 gather in Rome to vote. In this election, 120 eligible cardinals participated.
- Swearing of Oaths: Cardinals swear to keep the process absolutely confidential.
- Voting in the Sistine Chapel: Each cardinal casts a secret ballot. A two-thirds majority is required for a candidate to be elected.
- Smoke Signals: After each round of voting, the ballots are burned:
- Black smoke indicates no decision.
- White smoke signals a successful election.
- The New Pope Accepts: Once elected, the cardinal is asked, “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” If he accepts, he chooses a papal name.
- “Habemus Papam!” The new pope is announced from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica: “We have a pope!”
The process is deeply spiritual, involving prayer, Masses, and a sense of awe before the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
6. What Is the Role of the Cardinals?
Cardinals are senior Church leaders appointed by the pope. They are usually bishops and often serve as heads of major dioceses or Vatican departments.
Their main responsibilities include:
- Advising the pope
- Governing the Church in key areas
- Electing a new pope when the seat is vacant
Cardinals are forbidden from campaigning or lobbying. The idea is that the choice of pope is not about politics, but about discernment and the will of God.
7. Clues from the Past: Understanding the New Pope, Leo XIV
As of May 2025, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis and brings with him a background shaped by deep theological insight, diplomatic sensitivity, and a love for tradition and innovation alike.
Full Name: Cardinal Giovanni Battista Rossi
Country: Italy
Previous Role: Archbishop of Milan
Known For: Upholding doctrinal orthodoxy, pastoral care, and fostering Eucharistic devotion
Themes in His Previous Work:
- Strong emphasis on fidelity to Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium
- Compassionate outreach to the poor and marginalised
- Calls for spiritual renewal in a secular age
- Emphasis on reverent liturgy and Eucharistic devotion
In his past writings, Pope Leo XIV has warned against “relativistic compromise,” encouraged devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and called for a new missionary zeal among Catholics.
8. What’s Next for Pope Leo XIV?
The beginning of a papacy is often marked by:
- A Mass of Inauguration in St Peter’s Square
- Appointments to key Vatican positions
- A vision-setting speech or encyclical
- Global attention and speculation
Faithful Catholics are encouraged to pray for the new pope, especially in the early days of his pontificate. The Church entrusts the new pontiff to the Holy Spirit and the protection of the Blessed Virgin.
You can also receive a plenary indulgence (under the usual conditions: sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father, and complete detachment from sin) by joining in prayers for the new pope during the first days of his election.
9. Why the Papacy Still Matters in the Modern World
Some may ask: does the papacy still matter in a globalised, digital, and often secular world?
The answer is a resounding yes.
- The pope is a global voice for peace in a time of conflict.
- He defends moral truth in an age of confusion.
- He upholds human dignity against powers that devalue life.
- He proclaims the Gospel when many are spiritually lost.
Pope Leo XIV inherits a Church facing challenges and opportunities. His leadership will be watched not only by Catholics but by many seeking hope, direction, and clarity in turbulent times.
Final Thoughts: A Time of Renewal
The election of a new pope is more than a Vatican event—it’s a spiritual moment for the whole Church. As Catholics, we are reminded that Christ remains with His Church and that the Holy Spirit never ceases to guide her.
Let us welcome Pope Leo XIV with prayer, hope, and open hearts. May his pontificate bear great fruit for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Pray for the Holy Father:
“Lord Jesus, shelter our Holy Father the Pope under the protection of Your Sacred Heart. Be his light, his strength and his consolation.”
READ MORE: WHO IS POPE LEO XIV? MEET CARDINAL ROBERT PREVOST, THE FIRST AMERICAN POPE
READ MORE: POPE LEO XIV’S FIRST WORDS AS POPE
