Pope Leo and the People's Conclave: A New Era Begins

Rome was buzzing this past weekend—and not just with the International Tennis Tournament or the annual Race for the Cure. Something far more monumental unfolded: the selection of a new pope. And not just any pope. For the first time in history, the Roman Catholic Church has elected an American pontiff: Pope Leo XIV. I chatted with journalist Eric J Lyman, a seasoned veteran of three papal elections—to discuss what made this conclave so unique, what led to Cardinal Robert Prevost's surprise selection, and what kind of leadership Pope Leo might bring to a divided global Church.

Just before Pope Leo XIV came onto the balcony

An Electrified Rome

When the white smoke appeared over St. Peter’s Square on the evening of May 8, 2025, the city erupted with joy and curiosity. Nearly 150,000 people had gathered to witness history in the making. I was right there in the heart of it all, standing shoulder to shoulder with locals and visitors alike. Earlier in the day, I’d been stationed at the front of the square, where I had spent most of the day taking in the anticipation and energy. When the white smoke finally billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, I navigated through the excited crowd with my daughter, two grandchildren, and a close friend to make it to the front of Saint Peter's Square just in time for the official announcement.

Just before Pope Leo came out onto the balcony

The mood was electric. Though confusion rippled through the crowd when the new pope's name was announced—many Italians around me asked, “An American?”—the joy was palpable. At first, even I was unsure. I assumed it might be someone else. But as realization set in that it was Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American with strong ties to Latin America, it became clear we were witnessing a turning point in Church history.

Cardinal Robert Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV—had never been at the top of anyone’s papal prediction lists. Even Eric J Lyman, who has covered three conclaves for outlets like The Washington Times, CBC Radio, and USA Today, didn’t have Prevost on his radar. "He wasn’t on my bingo card," Eric confessed.

A Pope of Two Worlds

Born in the United States but with years spent living and ministering in Peru, Pope Leo has often been described as "the least American of the Americans." That dual identity may have been his secret strength. His Latin American connections likely earned him widespread support from South American cardinals, while even conservative American cardinals—reportedly including Cardinal Burke—backed him for his fair-minded, collegial approach.

Eric explained that in the Vatican, what truly matters isn't ideological alignment, but whether a candidate can make fellow cardinals feel heard. "You just have to make everyone believe they’ll get a fair shake," he said. And Pope Leo appears to have done just that.

Sistine Chapel where Pope Leo was chosen by the Cardinals

His First Act: A Bold Departure

Unlike his predecessor, Pope Francis, who famously said to the College of Cardinals, "May God forgive you for what you’ve done," Leo's first request was a call for unity. Before even appearing on the balcony, he asked the cardinals to remain in Rome an extra day so he could seek their counsel individually and in small groups. This gesture—humble yet decisive—struck many as a brilliant first move, setting a tone of inclusion and active listening.

Speedy Conclave, Surprising Outcome

Despite early expectations of a prolonged conclave due to a record number of newly appointed cardinals unfamiliar with one another, the vote progressed swiftly. After a single vote on Wednesday night, the cardinals returned Thursday morning and quickly consolidated their support behind Prevost. The final result came after just a few additional votes, lending Pope Leo’s papacy a sense of clear mandate.

Speculation on why the process moved so rapidly points to Leo’s broad appeal. He was seen as a figure of balance—progressive enough to energize the Church’s reformers, yet rooted enough in traditional values (and fluent in Latin) to gain the respect of conservatives.

Language and Symbolism: A Global Pope

When Pope Leo stepped onto the balcony, many were surprised that he didn’t speak a word of English. Instead, he addressed the crowd in Italian, Spanish, and Latin. It was a powerful gesture, signaling his desire to be not an "American pope," but a pope for the world.

Some critics viewed the absence of English as a missed opportunity, but others—including Eric and me—felt it was a strategic move to reinforce Leo’s global identity. His choice to rely on Latin in both his balcony address and the following day's Mass also won him praise from traditionalists who favor pre-Vatican II liturgical practices.

A Man with Depth and Humanity

From his fondness for Wordle games with his brother to his passion for cooking and his lifelong support of the Chicago White Sox, Pope Leo is already being described as an approachable and down-to-earth figure. His personal warmth was evident when he appeared visibly emotional on the balcony—fighting back tears in a moment that touched many observers.

As Eric pointed out, Leo’s papal journey is less a tale of grand ambition than one of quiet evolution. Pope Leo earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977, an Augustinian Catholic institution near Philadelphia, and served for years in Peru in Latin America. He is also an Augustinian, following a tradition deeply rooted in introspection and intellectual inquiry. Eric noted that Pope Leo’s background in science and gradual theological development aligns closely with the philosophy of St. Augustine.

His Name, His Mission

The choice of the name Leo carries significant symbolic weight. While Pope Francis evoked the humility of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Leo’s name may nod to reform-minded Pope Leo XIII or even the persuasive, peace-seeking Pope Leo I. While we have yet to hear a formal explanation for his choice, Eric believes it reflects a desire to signal strength, resolve, and a vision for unifying the Church—echoing the Leo legacy of guidance through persuasion rather than command.

A New Home in the Apostolic Palace

Apostolic Palace where Pope Leo will probably live Photo credit

Breaking with Pope Francis’ decision to live modestly in the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse, Pope Leo XIV has seemingly chosen to reside in the traditional papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace. While grand and ornate, the choice also reflects a subtle message: admiration for Francis, yes—but also a determination to chart his own path.

The Road Ahead

With a Church still grappling with internal polarization, past scandals, and modern relevance, Pope Leo faces immense challenges. Yet his first gestures—open dialogue, symbolic humility, and international inclusivity—offer a hopeful beginning. As Eric put it, Leo may have been elected despite being American, but he now holds the role of global shepherd to 1.4 billion Catholics.

In closing, Eric hinted at the themes he’s exploring in his next piece on Substack: how the Augustinian tradition can accommodate such divergent interpretations as those of Pope Leo and JD Vance—both rooted in the same Catholic intellectual tradition, yet worlds apart.

For now, all eyes are on Pope Leo XIV—a man of two worlds, who begins his papacy not with grand proclamations, but with a simple, powerful act of listening.

And if you're curious to hear more from Eric J Lyman, including his deep dive into the philosophy of St. Augustine, you can find his writing on The Italian Dispatch via Substack.

Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable papacy.