One Year Later: The True Meaning of an American Pope

Pope Leo XIV was elected one year ago today, on May 8, 2025. I’m republishing my essay from Time on the afternoon of his election — a record of the providential gift no American expected.

May 08, 2026

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Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost presides over his first Holy Mass as Pope Leo XIV with cardinals in the Sistine Chapel at the conclusion of the Conclave on May 9, 2025.

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Editor’s note: One year ago today, on May 8, 2025, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney and the world met i…

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