Written by Vatican City — May 8, 2025
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. Photo credit: Fortune
In a groundbreaking development, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, adopting the papal name Pope Leo XIV. This marks the first time in the Church’s two-millennia history that an American has ascended to the papacy.
The announcement came after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the conclusion of the conclave. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, proclaimed the traditional “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, introducing the new pontiff to the world.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is of French, Italian, and Spanish descent. He joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1978 and was ordained a priest in 1982. His extensive missionary work in Peru, where he served as a parish pastor, seminary teacher, and diocesan official, earned him Peruvian citizenship and deep respect within the Latin American Catholic community .
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a significant role overseeing the appointment of bishops worldwide. His election as pope is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’s reformist legacy, emphasizing inclusivity, social justice, and global outreach.
In his first address, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with the words, “Peace be with all of you!” He emphasized unity and compassion, urging the Church to serve as a bridge-builder in a divided world .
The election of an American pope has been met with widespread acclaim, especially among U.S. Catholics who see it as a moment of pride and renewed connection to the Vatican. However, Pope Leo XIV has expressed his commitment to being a universal pastor, serving all Catholics regardless of nationality.
As the Church navigates challenges such as secularization, internal reforms, and global conflicts, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership is anticipated to bring a blend of tradition and progressive vision to the papacy.
Stay tuned to NYCPC for ongoing coverage of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy and its impact on the global Catholic community.