In May 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, under the name Pope Leo XIV. Thus, this election is indeed historic in the sense that this is the very first time an American-born individual has ever ascended to the papacy: born in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost’s papacy symbolizes a major turn in global representation within the Vatican.
His papal name pays tribute to that of Pope Leo XIII, chiefly renowned for his great work in establishing Catholic social teaching. Since Jubilee 2025 is right around the corner, now is the perfect time to know about the new Pope and get ready for a pilgrimage by stocking up on religious items for Jubilee. The necessary items may include pilgrimage kits, rosary beads, hoodies with the official Jubilee logo to keep you cozy, or Jubilee brooches.
Background and Early Life
Pope Leo XIV grew up in a Chicago suburb and became a friar of the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977. He was ordained as a priest in the year 1982 and then worked in Peru, where he was the parish pastor and diocesan official. He was the Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013. In 2015, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo and was soon afterwards made Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. In 2023, that pontiff made him a cardinal.
Pope Francis made him a cardinal in that year, celebrating the many years of indefatigable church service and new visions for an inclusive, pastoral Church that gave particular attention to all the most vulnerable people. The appointment as cardinal consolidated his impact within the Vatican and testified to his commitment to a global Church mindful of social justice issues and pastoral realities among people of faith worldwide.
From a young friar in the suburbs of Chicago to a global leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV’s life is an example of deep dedication to his faith and strong conviction to live his life believing in the transformative power of compassion and humility in service.
Papacy and Leadership Style
The election of Pope Leo XIV has been greeted around the world with hope, as for many, he seems to be exactly the type of figure who can reach across church boundaries and even across faith communities. The Pope’s advocacy of peace, justice, and inclusivity resonates in a world that sorely needs its spiritual healing. He has called particularly for an “unarmed and disarming” peace rooted in the unconditional love of God.
In personal terms, Pope Leo XIV is down-to-earth. He likes to relax by playing popular word games online such as Wordle and watching portrayals of papal processes such as Conclave. These pastimes define an individual that has one foot in tradition and the other in modernity.
Jubilee 2025: A Year of Renewal
The 2025 Jubilee, officially designated as the Holy Year of Pilgrims of Hope, commenced on Christmas Eve 2024 with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. This event marked the beginning of a year-long celebration of faith, mercy, and justice.
Throughout 2025, various thematic jubilees are being celebrated, including:
- Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements and New Communities(June 7–8)
- Jubilee of Sports(June 14–15)
- Jubilee of Seminarians(June 23–24)
- Jubilee of Youth(July 28–August 3)
- Jubilee of Consolation(September 15)
- Jubilee of Justice(September 20)
- Jubilee of Catechists(September 26–28)
- Jubilee of Migrants(October 4–5)
- Jubilee of Consecrated Life(October 8–9)
- Jubilee of Marian Spirituality(October 11–12)
These events are designed to foster unity, deepen faith, and promote social justice.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church, an epoch distinguished by a commitment to unity, peace, and social justice. His leadership of the Jubilee 2025 will signal that the Church is committed to the peace of reconciliation and renewal. The themes of hope and mercy resound as the faithful enter into pilgrimage and reflection, guiding the Church toward a future alive in the Spirit and in the tranquillity of the world.
