Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV: A Historic First for the Catholic Church

In a landmark moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Leo XIV. The announcement was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on May 8, 2025, following the traditional white smoke signaling a successful conclave. Prevost becomes the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s history, marking a significant milestone for the global Catholic community .

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost joined the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977. His early ministry included extensive missionary work in Peru, where he served as a parish pastor, seminary teacher, and diocesan administrator. His dedication to the poor and marginalized earned him the nickname “saint of the north” among the Peruvian faithful .

Prevost’s leadership roles within the Church have been notable. He served as the Prior General of the Augustinian Order from 2001 to 2013, overseeing missions in nearly 50 countries. In 2015, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru, a position he held until 2023. That year, Pope Francis appointed him as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, roles that placed him at the heart of the Church’s governance .

The conclave that elected Prevost was convened following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. Over two days, 133 cardinal electors deliberated in the Sistine Chapel, ultimately selecting Prevost on the fourth ballot. His election was announced by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the protodeacon, who proclaimed “Habemus Papam” to the gathered crowd in St. Peter’s Square .

Pope Leo XIV’s election is seen as a unifying choice, reflecting a balance between tradition and progress within the Church. He is expected to continue Pope Francis’ emphasis on social justice, care for the marginalized, and the promotion of synodality—a collaborative approach to Church governance. His background in both pastoral care and administrative leadership positions him to address ongoing challenges, including internal Church divisions and declining attendance in Western countries .

In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with the words, “Peace be with all of you,” signaling a commitment to unity and compassion. His multilingual abilities—fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese—reflect his international experience and are expected to aid in his efforts to connect with Catholics worldwide .

The election of an American pope has been met with widespread acclaim. President Donald Trump expressed his approval, calling it a “great honor for the United States” and highlighting the historic nature of the event

As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, the global Catholic community looks forward to his leadership during a time of significant change and opportunity. His unique blend of pastoral sensitivity and administrative acumen offers hope for a Church striving to remain relevant and compassionate in the modern world.