In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the papal name Leo XIV. This marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy in the Church’s two-millennia history.
The 69-year-old Chicago native appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on May 8, 2025, greeting thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square with the words, “May peace be with all of you.” His election followed the death of Pope Francis on April 21 and concluded swiftly within two days of conclave voting, involving 133 cardinal electors—the highest number to date.
Pope Leo XIV brings a wealth of international experience to the papacy. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he spent significant time as a missionary and religious leader in Peru, eventually obtaining dual citizenship. He previously served as the Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru and was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023.
In his first address, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, urging the crowd to remember his legacy. He emphasized a vision for the Church that focuses on building bridges and fostering dialogue, stating, “We have to seek together to be a missionary church. A church that builds bridges and dialogue.”
World leaders have extended their congratulations to the new pontiff. U.S. President Trump, UK’s Keir Starmer, and Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy were among those who welcomed his election.
Pope Leo XIV’s election is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’s legacy, particularly in areas of social justice and outreach to marginalized communities. His background suggests a commitment to addressing issues within the Church, including clergy abuse, and promoting unity in a polarized global climate.
As the first American and Peruvian pontiff, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership signals a new chapter for the Catholic Church, reflecting its global nature and the evolving dynamics of its leadership.
