Meet Pope Leo XIV: Astrology of a Historic Moment
Robert Prevost, the American Pope
White smoke rose over the Vatican at 6:07 pm on 8 May 2025, heralding a new chapter for the Catholic Church: the election of 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago as Pope Leo XIV. Born in Chicago and holding dual US-Peruvian citizenship, Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States—a historic and symbolically loaded choice.
Though American by birth, his deep ties to Latin America, including years of service in Peru and Peruvian citizenship, helped him present as a more universal candidate—someone who bridges hemispheres, continents, as well as tradition and modernity. Before election as , he headed the department responsible for choosing new bishops. This was one of the most powerful roles within the Vatican, and he had a particularly busy time during his predecessor’s tenure.
White Smoke Rises: The Astrology Chart
This chart was a lesson in double-checking the data. I was un-beatific when I realised my software had the wrong timezone and I had to start my analysis again.
With both the ascendant and the Moon in Libra, Pope Leo is likely to take a collaborative and consultative approach to leadership. His early messages have echoed this, emphasising peace and bridge-building, along with a strong commitment to continuing the outreach and reforms begun under Pope Francis.
However, with the Moon opposing Venus in Aries and Mars in proud Leo sitting prominently at the top of the chart, it’s unlikely we’ll see movement on women’s roles within the Church. Gender reform, at least for now, looks firmly parked.
Naturally his choice of name, Leo XIV, draws our attention to the sign of the lion. The elevated Mars in showy Leo combined with an aesthetic-conscious Libra ascendant and Libra Moon speaks to a possible revival of papal ceremony and the visual grandeur of earlier times. Think mitres, rich liturgical vestments, and a more visibly regal presentation of the papacy.
Speaking of Faith: Jupiter in Gemini
The 9th house—associated with religion—is ruled by Gemini, a curious intellectual sign that seeks to make connections and share ideas. Jupiter, the planet of religion and moral authority, sits in Gemini—its sign of detriment—but its placement is interesting. Gemini is a dual sign, and the new pope’s first address, delivered in Italian and Spanish (just two of the 4 languages he speaks fluently) speaks to this multiplicity.
Jupiter is making a received sextile to Mercury on the Aries descendant, which indicates robust and honest communication – and given Mercury rules the 11th house as well as the 9th, it appears the Pope Leo was chosen by popular concensus.
Saturn is also interesting, and is Jupiter’s next connection – this time in a less comfortable square from high-minded theoretical Gemini to sacrificial Pisces. It suggests Pope Leo will be challenged to balance tradition and growth, but ultimately have a long, steady tenure. This papacy may not radically shift doctrine, but it offers enduring hope and a global perspective to millions. With Saturn close to Neptune on the cusp of the 6th, this Pope is committed to continuing Francis’ pursuit of social justice.
One final intriguing observation: Jupiter in this chart is closely conjunct Donald Trump’s natal Sun—an curious cosmic echo, and perhaps a nod to the larger geopolitical stage that shaped this unexpected but strategic choice.