In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Leo XIV. This marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy following Pope Francis’s death on April 21, 2025.
The conclave, comprising 133 cardinal electors worldwide, decided on the second day of deliberations. White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel at 6:07 p.m. CEST on May 8, signaling the election of the new pope. Moments later, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced, “Habemus Papam,” introducing Pope Leo XIV to the tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV brings a wealth of international experience to the papacy. He spent significant time in Peru, serving as the bishop of Chiclayo and later acquiring Peruvian citizenship. In 2023, he was appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a key role in overseeing the appointment of bishops worldwide.
In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd with, “Peace be with all of you!” He emphasized themes of unity, charity, and continuity with his predecessor’s commitment to marginalized communities. Addressing his Peruvian “compatriots” in Spanish, he reaffirmed his dedication to global inclusivity.
The election of an American pope has elicited reactions from leaders worldwide. Former U.S. President Donald Trump hailed it as a “great honor” for the country, while leaders from the UK, Ukraine, and Spain expressed hopes for renewed dialogue and moral leadership amid global challenges.
Pope Leo XIV now faces the task of guiding the Catholic Church through a period marked by geopolitical tensions, internal divisions, and the ongoing impact of the sexual abuse scandal. His leadership will be pivotal in addressing these issues and uniting the Church’s 1.4 billion followers worldwide.
