Vatican City — May 8, 2025
In a landmark event that will go down in ecclesiastical history, the College of Cardinals on Thursday elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church. With this development, Prevost becomes the first American pope in the over 2,000-year history of the papacy.
The 69-year-old prelate, originally from Chicago, Illinois, assumed the papal name Pope Leo XIV, succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away in April after more than a decade of impactful leadership marked by reform, humility, and a focus on the marginalized.
White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at approximately 5:40 p.m. local time, confirming that the cardinals had reached a two-thirds majority consensus. Moments later, Cardinal Protodeacon Gianfranco Ghirlanda appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the age-old announcement: “Habemus Papam” — “We have a Pope.”
To thunderous applause and emotional chants from the crowd gathered at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV emerged from behind the red velvet curtains to give his first blessing Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and to the World”).
In his brief but poignant inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to his fellow cardinals and extended a hand of unity to the global Catholic community. He emphasized themes of healing, reconciliation, and global peace, saying, “Let us walk together with mercy, faith, and hope, carrying the light of Christ to a world in need of compassion and truth.”
A Pope of Firsts
Pope Leo XIV’s election represents several historic firsts for the Church:
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He is the first American pope, marking a geographic shift in the spiritual leadership of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
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He is the first Augustinian friar to ascend to the papacy in modern times.
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His papal name, Leo XIV, signals a tribute to Pope Leo XIII, known for his influential encyclicals on social justice, and suggests that Prevost may continue pushing progressive yet doctrinally grounded reforms.
Background and Career
Robert Prevost was ordained a priest in 1982 and served in missionary capacities in Peru, where he gained a reputation for grassroots service and spiritual leadership. He later became the Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and more recently served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a key role overseeing the appointment of bishops globally.
Known for his administrative competence, theological acumen, and humility, Pope Leo XIV is widely respected for his ability to bridge cultural divides within the Church. He speaks fluent English, Spanish, and Italian, and is regarded as a moderate voice capable of uniting progressive and conservative factions.
Global Reaction
The announcement has drawn widespread reactions across the globe. U.S. President, global faith leaders, and heads of state have sent congratulatory messages, while American Catholics expressed pride and cautious optimism at the appointment of one of their own to the Church’s highest office.
Crowds at St. Peter’s Square were jubilant, many waving U.S. flags alongside Vatican banners, holding up rosaries, and singing hymns in celebration of the momentous occasion.
Looking Ahead
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, he inherits a Church still grappling with complex global challenges — from declining church attendance in the West to addressing clerical abuse scandals, navigating doctrinal tensions, and responding to modern social issues such as climate change, migration, and digital ethics.
His inaugural Mass is scheduled to take place at St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, May 11, where leaders from around the world are expected to attend.
For now, the world watches as history unfolds and a new chapter begins for the Catholic Church under the guidance of its first American pope.
