In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the new Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement came on May 8, 2025, shortly after white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the 133 cardinal electors had reached a decision during the papal conclave. Cheers erupted in St. Peter's Square as French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti proclaimed, "Habemus Papam!" (We have a pope), introducing the first American pontiff in history to the world.
Pope Leo XIV, a 69-year-old native of Chicago, made his first public appearance on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he was greeted by thousands of enthusiastic faithful. In his inaugural address, delivered in Italian, he extended heartfelt wishes for peace to all, saying, "May peace be with all of you, dear brothers and sisters. This greeting signifies the presence of the resurrected Christ. I extend my sincerest wishes for peace to reach every family and individual, no matter where you are. May peace be with you all."
Prevost’s election comes on the heels of the recent passing of Pope Francis, who had served as the first Latin American pope for twelve years. With his extensive background in the Church, Prevost was appointed by Francis as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and has also served as the President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since 2023. His election marks a significant milestone not only for the United States but also for the global Catholic community, which comprises approximately 1.4 billion members.
In his first comments as pope, Leo XIV expressed a desire for his message of peace to resonate deeply with the faithful. He stated, "I want this message of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are." He emphasized the importance of unity among the faithful, urging them to "move forward, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other," while paying tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago. He has a rich history of missionary work in Peru, where he served as the Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. His career in the Church began after he joined the Augustinians in Peru in 1985, following his education, which included a Master’s degree in Divinity from Chicago's Catholic Theological Union and a doctorate in canon law from Rome. Returning to Chicago in 1999, he held various leadership positions before being appointed as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in 2014.
Prevost’s election as Pope Leo XIV was met with widespread excitement, including congratulations from notable figures such as former President Donald Trump. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump remarked, "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"
Despite the Vatican's historical reservations about an American pope due to the United States' global influence, Prevost has been recognized for his moderate stance and deep understanding of the Church's inner workings. His appointment to the Dicastery for Bishops, which oversees the selection of new bishops worldwide, further solidified his reputation as a bridge-builder within the Church.
In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV recalled the words of St. Augustine, stating, "For you I am a bishop; but with you I am a Christian." This sentiment reflects his commitment to serving the Church while remaining connected to the broader Christian community. His focus on the "peripheries"—areas often overlooked by the Church—echoes the priorities established by Pope Francis.
As the newly elected Pope, Leo XIV faces the challenge of guiding the Church through a rapidly changing world. He has previously noted the need for the Church to adapt its message to reach today’s diverse audiences, stating, "The message is always the same: proclaim Jesus Christ, proclaim the Gospel, but the way to reach today's people, young people, the poor, politicians, is different."
Pope Leo XIV’s election has been viewed as a pivotal moment for the Church, particularly in light of the challenges it faces in modern society. His extensive experience in both pastoral care and administrative roles positions him well to navigate the complexities of leading the Catholic Church in the 21st century.
As celebrations continue in St. Peter's Square and around the world, many are hopeful that Leo XIV will bring a fresh perspective to the papacy, fostering unity and peace among the global Catholic community. The excitement surrounding his election reflects not only the significance of his role as the first American pope but also the potential for renewed energy within the Church as it moves forward into a new era.
