American Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV
A new chapter in the history of the Roman Catholic Church commenced on Thursday, May 8th, with the election of American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope. The 69-year-old, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, is the first pontiff from the United States. His election follows the passing of Pope Francis last month.
Background and Experience
Born in the Chicago suburbs, Pope Leo XIV, a member of the Order of St. Augustine, brings a distinctive blend of pastoral missionary experience and Vatican administrative leadership to the papacy. He spent over two decades ministering in Peru, becoming a naturalized citizen there, and later served as the Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. His deep connections to Latin America are complemented by his fluency in Spanish and Italian. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to lead the influential Dicastery for Bishops, a critical Vatican office responsible for vetting bishop nominations globally, a role that gave him significant prominence leading into the conclave. He was elevated to cardinal-bishop in early 2025.
His First Message
While historically there had been an unstated reluctance towards electing a US pope due to existing American geopolitical influence, Cardinal Prevost's extensive service and citizenship in Peru were seen by some as mitigating factors. Known for his humble and pastoral approach, he once described a bishop's role as being "close to the people, to walk and suffer with them." Upon his election, appearing on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the world with the words, "Peace be with all of you," offering a message of peace and dialogue "without fear," speaking in both Italian and Spanish.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a historic first for the Catholic Church with an American pontiff. His extensive missionary background in Latin America and his administrative experience within the Vatican positions him distinctively as he begins his pontificate, leading the global Catholic community.
