The New Pope: Who is Leo XIV and What Changes for the Jubilee?

Habemus Papam. In a St. Peter’s Square packed with the faithful, tourists, and curious onlookers, the long-awaited white smoke has appeared. The doors of the Sistine Chapel have finally been reopened, and the much-anticipated announcement has come from the balcony: Leo XIV is the 267th Pope in the history of the Church.

He will inherit the significant legacy of Pope Francis, taking on the role of spiritual leader of the Church during a particularly delicate time — the Jubilee. What should the faithful and tourists expect now? Will there be changes to the event calendar or the theme of the Jubilee?

Let’s meet Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and a spiritual leader stepping into a moment of global significance.

Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago on Sept. 14, 1955, Pope Leo XIV brings decades of pastoral leadership and international experience to the papacy. According to the Vatican, he is the first Augustinian pope, and he’s spend much of is life aborad. He was sent to the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas, Piura, Peru, and from 1999 to 2014 he worked in Chicago; Prevost returned to Peru in 2014 and Pope Francis soon named him bishop.

As he stepped onto the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica to greet the world, the crowd responded with overwhelming emotion. In his first address, Pope Leo XIV gave thanks to his predecessor and delivered a message of humility and peace—repeating the word “peace” several times.

The name Leo carries historical weight. Thirteen popes before him bore the same name, including Leo I, remembered as a pillar of Church doctrine and diplomacy, and Leo XIII who was known for his openness to the modern world and for the encyclical Rerum Novarum, which inaugurated the Church’s social doctrine.

Pope Leo XIV honors that legacy while representing a new direction for the global Church.

The Jubilee Year — a centuries-old tradition of renewal, forgiveness, and pilgrimage in the Catholic Church — takes on new weight in 2025 following an historic transition at the Vatican.

The passing of Pope Francis in early 2025 marked the end of a profoundly influential papacy, one defined by humility, global outreach, and a relentless call for compassion and environmental justice. Now, pilgrims who have arrived in Rome from all over the world—or who plan to do so—might wonder whether, with the handover and Pope Leo XIV, there will be changes to the calendar or the structure of the Jubilee.

Despite the change in leadership, the Jubilee continues with full momentum and spiritual depth. Pope Leo XIV has made it clear: this holy year will stay true to the vision laid out by Pope Francis—focusing on forgiveness, pilgrimage, and unity. It is still recommended to check the official Jubilee calendar daily to stay informed about any possible changes.

In his first days, Pope Leo XIV has already begun the duties of his office: meeting with Church officials and preparing for major liturgical Jubilee’s event. The upcoming months promise many public appearances by the new pope, including:

These events offer visitors an unmissable opportunity to see the new pope in Rome, and to be part of a once-in-a-generation moment. This means Rome will be more vibrant and crowded than ever. So if you’re planning to visit Rome during this time, you should expect:

Make sure to arrive early, book skip-the-line tours early to secure good views.

Visiting Rome during the Jubilee with a new pope is more than a trip—it’s a spiritual and cultural event you’ll never forget. Yet beyond the Vatican lies a treasure trove of timeless wonders: visitors can walk the ancient paths of the Roman Forum, admire the grandeur of the Colosseum, explore the Vatican Museums and Gardens or savor the authentic roman cuisine.

Rome is wonderful at any time of the year, but visiting it right now can offer even the most discerning traveler an experience they will remember for a lifetime. The Eternal City awaits you with its blend of sacred tradition and living history, especially if you will experienced it with meaning and insight.

 

If you can’t wait to discover the Vatican, the Jubilee with a new Pope, and especially Rome during this time filled with spirituality and culture, then trust those who can help you experience the Eternal City like a true Roman!

At Walks Inside Rome, we’re honored to guide travelers through the Eternal City. From the spiritual heart of the Vatican to the hidden gems of Trastevere, or Colosseum, we help you experience Rome like a local—with purpose, passion, and unforgettable stories. Explore our tour offerings here and make your visit to Rome during the Jubilee and the era of Pope Leo XIV truly meaningful!