It’s 2025 and we have a new pope. Habemus Papam! That’s Latin for: “We have a pope!”
You woke up to white smoke and headlines. A new pope. A new moment for the Church. But what does this mean for you—on campus, in your Bible study, in your small group? Let’s unpack it.
On a historic day in St. Peter’s Square, cheers broke out as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost stepped onto the balcony, chosen as the 267th pope and successor to the late Pope Francis. He will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.
In his first words as pope, Leo XIV stood before a packed St. Peter’s Square and offered a simple but powerful greeting: “May peace be with you.” He elaborated that this greeting, “Peace be with you,” is the first message of the resurrected Christ, the Good Shepherd.
Echoing the voice of the Risen Christ, he extended this peace to families and the whole world. Acknowledging the rapid pace of modern progress, Pope Leo didn’t shy away from the spiritual challenges of our time—naming a “forgetting of God” and calling for a bold reawakening of faith. His message was clear: in a world racing ahead, we’re invited to pause, remember who we are, and return to the One who gives true peace.
But what does that mean for us as Catholics, students, missionaries, and leaders in the Church today?
Let’s take a look 👇
Who is Robert Francis Prevost/Pope Leo XIV?
Pope Robert is from Chicago, and he’s got a heart for mission—literally! He spent years in Peru as a missionary and speaks Spanish fluently. Before becoming pope, he was working in Rome helping appoint bishops around the world.
His whole life reflects intentional discipleship, accompaniment, and service—core parts of what it means to live on mission. In many ways, he’s walked the same road FOCUS missionaries walk every day: meeting people where they are, loving them deeply, and inviting them into deeper friendship with Jesus.
Why Does This Matter?
The pope isn’t just the leader of the Vatican—he’s the visible head of the universal Church, a spiritual father for 1.4 billion Catholics. When a new pope is chosen, it’s not just big news—it’s a fresh call to mission.
At FOCUS, we talk a lot about becoming missionary disciples. Pope Leo XIV’s “yes” reminds us that God is still calling people to step up and say yes to leadership, holiness, and going wherever He leads.
Remembering Pope Francis: Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Do?
- Pray for our new pope! Leading the Church is a huge responsibility, and he’ll need grace and courage.
- Reflect on your own mission. How is God calling you to serve the Church in this season?
- Recommit to living missionary discipleship with boldness and joy. The world is hungry for Jesus!
FAQ: Who Is Pope Leo XIV?
Q: Where is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from?
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. His American roots shaped his practical and pastoral approach to leadership.
Q: Was Pope Leo XIV a missionary before becoming pope?
Yes! Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost served as a missionary priest in Peru for many years. He lived among the people, learned Spanish, and dedicated his life to building up the Church through authentic missionary discipleship.
Q: What did Pope Leo XIV do before becoming pope?
Before his election, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost worked in the Vatican as the Prefect for Bishops, helping oversee bishop appointments worldwide. Before that, he served as a bishop in Peru and as the leader of his religious order.
Q: What is Pope Leo XIV’s religious background?
Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Order of St. Augustine, a religious order known for its emphasis on community, prayer, and the pursuit of truth. This aligns closely with the heart of FOCUS and the life of a missionary disciple.
Q: Was Pope Leo XIV close to Pope Francis?
Yes! Pope Leo XIV was personally appointed by Pope Francis to key roles in Rome and shares Francis’ focus on humility, outreach, and pastoral care.
Q: Is Pope Leo XIV known for being a good communicator?
Absolutely. Pope Leo XIV is praised for his warmth, multilingual skills, and ability to relate to people of all cultures and ages. He’s especially passionate about forming young leaders and mentoring others in faith.
Q: Why are people excited about Pope Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV brings a unique combination of missionary zeal, global experience, and pastoral wisdom. His steady, Christ-centered leadership offers hope for a Church longing for unity and depth.
Q: How does Pope Leo XIV’s life relate to missionary discipleship?
Pope Leo XIV’s life is a model of missionary discipleship—faith in action, grounded in prayer, service, and deep love for Jesus Christ. His journey reminds us that God calls each of us to live boldly and faithfully in our unique mission fields.
Q: How can Catholics support Pope Leo XIV?
- Pray daily for Pope Leo XIV and his leadership.
- Follow his teachings and example of missionary witness.
- Be a missionary disciple in your own context—on campus, in your parish, in your family.
Q: Why did Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost choose the name Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV likely chose the name to honor Pope Leo XIII and Pope Leo the Great—two towering figures in Church history. Pope Leo the Great (5th century) is known for his courageous defense of truth and his role in shaping Church teaching. Pope Leo XIII (19th century) was a champion of Catholic social teaching and renewal. Choosing “Leo” connects Pope Leo XIV to a legacy of strength, wisdom, and bold leadership.
Q: What does the name Leo mean spiritually?
The name “Leo” means lion, symbolizing courage, authority, and vigilance—all qualities needed in a spiritual leader. Pope Leo XIV’s name choice points to a desire to lead with strength and tenderness, echoing Christ the Good Shepherd and the Lion of Judah.
Q: What do FOCUS Missionaries Love About Pope Leo XIV?
- He was a missionary long before he wore white.
- He believes in accompaniment, not just authority.
- He’s from Chicago. FOCUS was founded in the Midwest too (hey, neighbors).
- He knows how to speak truth with tenderness—and that’s what we’re called to do too.
In short: This is an exciting time for the Church.
Let’s be bold. Let’s be joyful.
Let’s keep living out the mission—because the Church is alive, and Jesus is still calling.
Additional Resources
Dive deeper into the role of the pope, the Church, and what it means to evangelize in today’s world with these videos and articles:
Curious about where the papacy comes from in Scripture?
Check out Peter: On This Rock – Meeting the Messiah Bible Study, where Curtis Martin and Josh Santo unpack Jesus’ words to Peter in Matthew 16 and how they reveal the foundation of the Church.
In Pope Francis and the Characteristics of an Evangelizing Community, Bishop Earl Fernandes shares how we can become communities that reflect Christ to the world. Watch it on SEEK Replay.
Read Pope Francis: What Happens Now? for a look at what unfolds in the early days of a papacy and how we’re called to respond as members of the Church.
Even though it’s over, learn about how the conclave worked to elect Pope Leo XIV.
Give
