POPE LEO XIV:  from Missions to Match Point – 10 facts that might surprise you

For many non-Catholic Christians, the election of a new Pope remains a mystery. The secrecy of what truly happens when the cardinals gather in a conclave and the deeper meaning behind the smoke that signals their decision, add to an unknown that so easily turns into suspicion.

However, by understanding the spiritual significance of electing the leader of the world’s largest Christian denomination, the body of Christ can better appreciate the weight of this moment and recognize the profound impact a new pope may have on global faith and unity.

GLOBAL FAITH AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Before delving into the deeper significance of a papal election and examining the newly elected Pope, it is essential to first understand the Catholic Church’s role within the broader Christian community. As the largest Christian denomination, with nearly 1 out of every 2 Christians globally being Catholic, the Catholic Church holds a pivotal position in shaping global faith, theological discourse, and interdenominational relationships.

Christianity is the world’s largest religion, with approximately 2.6 billion adherents globally. Here’s a breakdown of the major Christian denominations by percentage:

• Catholicism – 48.6% of Christians worldwide.
• Protestantism – 23.8%, including Lutherans, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, and Pentecostals.
• Independent Christian movements – 16%, covering non-denominational churches and newer Christian traditions.
• Eastern & Oriental Orthodoxy – 11.1%, including Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, and Armenian Apostolic.
• Other Christian groups – 0.5%, including Restorationist movements and non-Trinitarian groups.

THE CONCLAVE AND THE SMOKE

Black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Wednesday morning 7 May indicated that a new pope had not yet been chosen to replace Pope Francis.   The white smoke signalling the election of the new pope appeared on May 8, 2025, shortly after 10:30 a.m. Rome time. This confirmed that the cardinals had reached a decision, and soon after, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out to announce the awaited declaration: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”).

A total of 133 cardinal electors participated in the conclave to elect Pope Leo XIV. This was the largest number of electors in papal history, surpassing previous conclaves. To secure the papacy, a candidate needed at least 89 votes, which is the required two-thirds majority.

The use of smoke signals to announce the election of a new pope is a relatively recent tradition within the Catholic Church. During the papal conclave, a term derived from the Latin “cum clave” (meaning “with a key”), the cardinal electors are isolated with no outside communication. To inform the world of their decision, they rely on one of the oldest methods of long-distance messaging: smoke signals.

THE MEANING OF BLACK AND WHITE SMOKE

Once the cardinals complete their voting process, the paper ballots are burned in a special stove inside the Sistine Chapel.

• Black smoke signifies that no pope has been elected, meaning the Church’s 1.4 billion Catholics must wait for further voting rounds.
• White smoke signals that a new pope has been chosen, soon to be introduced to the world.

The first official use of white smoke to announce a papal election occurred in 1914, following a decree by Pope Pius X in 1904 mandating that all documents related to the election—beyond just the ballots—be burned, ensuring a visible and unmistakable signal for the final decision.

Throughout history, the papal conclave has used different methods to create black and white smoke as a signal to the public.  In past conclaves, including 1958, confusion arose when the smoke initially appeared white but later turned darker. To resolve such inconsistencies, the Vatican introduced chemical additives to ensure distinct coloring.

During the 2013 conclave, former Vatican spokesperson Federico Lombardi explained that cardinals added cartridges containing:

• Potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur to produce black smoke, signaling that no pope had been elected.
• Potassium chlorate, lactose, and chloroform resin to create white smoke, confirming the successful election of a new pontiff.

While it is possible for a pope to be elected on the first ballot, recent conclaves have required multiple rounds of voting to reach the necessary two-thirds majority.

• The shortest conclave on record occurred in 1503, when Pope Pius III was elected in just 10 hours.
• In contrast, Pope Francis was elected in two days, following five rounds of voting, and his predecessors were also chosen within two to three days.
• The longest conclave lasted nearly three years—from 1268 to 1271—before Pope Gregory X was elected after roughly 1,000 days of deliberation.

POPE LEO XIV: 5 Facts about the spiritual man

 

1. POPE LEO XIV is from the Augustinian Order

The Order of St. Augustine (OSA) is a mendicant religious order within the Catholic Church, founded in 1244. It follows the Rule of St. Augustine, emphasizing community, humility, and service. Here are its key characteristics:

• Communal Living – Members live together in harmony, sharing resources and supporting one another in their spiritual journey.
• Poverty & Simplicity – As a mendicant order, Augustinians rely on the support of the faithful, embracing a life of simplicity.
• Intellectual & Pastoral Work – The order is deeply involved in education, theological study, and missionary work, shaping Catholic thought and leadership.
• Love & Unity – Inspired by Acts 4:32, Augustinians strive to be “of one mind and one heart on the way to God.”
• Evangelization & Service – They focus on pastoral care, social justice, and spreading the Gospel, often working in schools, parishes, and missions worldwide.

Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the Order of St. Augustine, marking a historic moment for the order.  His priorities emulate those of Christ and are important virtues for those who follow.

2. POPE LEO XIV was previously a Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.

Before being elected Pope he served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops within the Catholic Church.  The Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops plays a crucial role in overseeing the selection, appointment, and governance of bishops within the Latin Church. Here are the key responsibilities:

• Selection of Bishops
• Approval Process
• Formation of Dioceses –managing the creation, division, and restructuring of dioceses worldwide.
• Ad Limina Visits – Bishops are required to visit Rome every five years to meet with the Pope and Vatican officials, a process overseen by the Dicastery.
• Resignation & Governance –handling bishop resignations and ensures proper governance within dioceses.

This position is highly influential, shaping the leadership and direction of the Church globally.

3. POPE LEO XIV is known as a bridge-builder

Pope Leo XIV’s leadership is already shaping global discussions on reconciliation and unity, with many Christian leaders welcoming his commitment to bridge-building and peace.  His election has also sparked hope for greater cooperation and understanding between denominations. The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) sees his papacy as an opportunity to strengthen ecumenical relationships and reaffirm a shared Christian calling to serve a world in deep need of healing and hope.

This is great news for the witness of the global church.

4. POPE LEO XIV places a high priority on missionary work and justice

This is good news for global Christian missions.  The World Council of Churches (WCC) has praised his focus on missionary work, synodality, and justice, emphasizing that these values are crucial in times of conflict and division.

Pope Leo XIV has a deep-rooted history in missionary work, particularly in Peru, where he served for over a decade. His time as a missionary shaped his pastoral approach, emphasizing humility, service, and solidarity with the marginalized.

In his first homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the urgency of mission work, particularly in societies where faith is marginalized. He highlighted how lack of faith often leads to social crises, such as loss of meaning, neglect of mercy, and violations of human dignity. His words suggest that his papacy will prioritize evangelization, justice, and reconciliation.

5. POPE LEO XIV and his Symbolic Election Date

Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8, the anniversary of St. Michael the Archangel’s apparition, which has deep spiritual significance.  May 8 marks the anniversary of St. Michael the Archangel’s apparition at Monte Gargano, one of the earliest recorded appearances of the archangel. In Catholic tradition, St. Michael is regarded as a protector, defender, and leader in spiritual battles—making this date deeply symbolic for Pope Leo XIV’s election.

POPE LEO XIV: 5 Facts about the carnal man

 

6. POPE LEO XIV is the first American and also the first Peruvian pope.

For generations, American Catholics have pondered whether one of their own would ever ascend to the papacy. That historic moment has arrived with Pope Leo XIV, a son of Chicago, now leading the global Church. His choice of name carries deep significance—honoring Pope Leo XIII, who profoundly shaped Catholicism in the United States by championing the missionary work of two future American saints, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini and St. Katharine Drexel. As the first American pope, Leo XIV embraces that legacy, following in the footsteps of a pontiff who believed wholeheartedly in the Church’s mission in the West, reinforcing its role in evangelization, social justice, and global dialogue.

Pope Leo XIV is also a naturalized citizen of Peru––although he was not born there, he legally obtained citizenship of the country. He spent over a decade in Peru, from 2014 to 2023, serving first as Apostolic Administrator and then Bishop of the diocese of Chiclayo and as Apostolic Administrator of Callao for a few years. This means that he is a dual-citizen of both the United States and Peru––and the first pope from both countries! He’s the second pope with a Latin American connection, as Pope Francis was an Argentinian, the first Latin American pope.

7. POPE LEO XIV is Pentalingual

He speaks five languages.  Given his American upbringing, Pope Leo XIV is fluent in English as his first language, but it takes all the fingers on one hand to enumerate how many languages Pope Leo XIV knows how to speak in total: English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese. Additionally, he can read Latin and German, two important theological languages.

8. POPE LEO XIV is a great Tennis lover

The new pope brings a new athletic interest to the Vatican. Argentinian Pope Francis fancied soccer, but it sounds like Pope Leo XIV won’t pass up a game of tennis. We suddenly find ourselves fans of tennis, too! The sports news site Bolavip reports him telling an Argentinian newspaper:  “I consider myself a great tennis fan… Since I left Peru, I’ve had few opportunities to practice, so I’m looking forward to getting back on the courts.”

Next to enjoying tennis Pope Leo is also an avid Chicago White Sox fan, showing that even popes have favourite teams.  The Chicago White Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago.

9. POPE LEO XIV likes to play Wordle! 

In a light moment before stepping into one of the most sacred decisions in the Church, Pope Leo was playing Wordle! According to his brother, the soon-to-be pontiff squeezed in a quick puzzle session right before the Conclave—proof that even popes enjoy a little brain game before making history.

10. POPE LEO XIV has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. 

Our new pope graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in Pennsylvania in 1977. This is a unique academic path for a man who would one day become pope!

 

 

https://ascensionpress.com/blogs/articles/16-fun-facts-about-pope-leo-xiv

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/conclave-pope-smoke-black-white-history/

Pictur:  CNN and https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2025/may/09/the-week-around-the-world-in-20-pictures