Following Pope Francis’ death, the head of the Catholic Church needed a new leader, and his successor was proclaimed just shy of two days after voting.

On May 8, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, announcing that American Cardinal Robert Prevost had been chosen as the 267th pope.

Being born in Chicago distinguished him as the first American pope in history.

Donald Trump, of course, expressed his thoughts on the development, calling it a ‘wonderful honor’ for the United States.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has been appointed Pope. It is a great privilege to recognize that he is the first American Pope.

“What an exciting time and a great honor for our country. I’m excited to see Pope Leo XIV. It’ll be a really significant occasion!”

Prevost picked the name Pope Leo XIV, which has a lot of Catholic importance.

What is the meaning of Pope Leo’s name?

He has chosen a name that reflects a heritage of strong leadership and theological clarity.

While popes are not required to change their names when they take office, they have done so for the previous 470 years, frequently adopting a predecessor’s name to commemorate them and show their wish to continue in their footsteps.

The last pope to carry that name, Leo XIII, was born Gioacchino Vincenzo Raffaele Luigi Pecci and served from 1878 to 1903. He was noted for his intellectual accomplishments and social teachings of the time.

The Holy See director also spoke with reporters about the significance of picking this moniker.

He said that Pope Leo XIII is famed for his encyclical ‘Rerum Novarum,’ meaning ‘Of New Things,’ which is ‘considered to be the cornerstone for the current social teaching of the Church.’

Father Vito Crincoli told ABC News that, historically, Leos have been powerful popes.

“Like Leo XIII, he cherished his people. He cherished his folks. He believed his people to be men rather than machines. A man’s job reflected his dignity.

“We don’t know this yet, but it’d be really interesting to know why he took the name Leo.”

Pope Leo previously served as Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, from 2015 to 2023 and as General of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.

His first words as pope, spoken to the congregation in St. Peter’s Basilica, were ‘May peace be with all of you.’

Speaking about his predecessor, Pope Francis, he said, “The pope who blessed Rome blessed the entire world on that Easter morning. So let us follow up on that blessing.

“Together, we must seek to understand how to be a missionary church, one that develops bridges and initiates debates.

“That’s always open to receive, on this piazza with open arms, to be able to receive everybody that needs our charity, our presence, dialogue, and love.”