AMERICAN CARDINAL ELECTED POPE: ROBERT PREVOST BECOMES POPE LEO XIV, MAKING HISTORY AS FIRST U.S. PONTIFF

In a historic moment that will forever alter the course of Catholic history, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the papal name Leo XIV. The election, confirmed today when white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, marks an unprecedented shift in Church leadership as the first American ever to ascend to the papacy.

THE HISTORIC ANNOUNCEMENT

St. Peter’s Square erupted in jubilation this afternoon as thousands of faithful gathered to witness the historic moment when white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney at precisely 12:47 p.m. local time. The unmistakable signal, accompanied by the joyous pealing of bells from St. Peter’s Basilica, confirmed that the 138 cardinal electors had reached the required two-thirds majority to select a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.

Approximately one hour after the white smoke appeared, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, stepped onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to make the formal Latin announcement that has heralded new popes for centuries: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!”).

The crowd fell silent as Cardinal Re continued: “Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum Robertum, Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalem Prevost, qui sibi nomen imposuit Leonem Decimum Quartum.” The announcement confirmed that Cardinal Robert Prevost had been elected and had chosen the papal name Leo XIV, invoking the legacy of Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903), known for his social teachings and diplomatic engagement.

When the newly elected Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony to deliver his first blessing Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world), the square erupted once again in thunderous applause. Appearing calm but visibly moved, the new pontiff addressed the gathered faithful in Italian, then English, and finally Spanish, reflecting both his American origins and his years of service in Peru.

“Dear brothers and sisters,” he began, “the cardinals have chosen one from far away to lead the Church. But in Christ, there is no far or near—we are all one family under God’s loving care.”

WHO IS POPE LEO XIV?

Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955, making him 69 years old at the time of his election. His path to the papacy represents an extraordinary spiritual and geographical journey that has equipped him with a uniquely global perspective on the challenges facing the Catholic Church.

After studying at Villanova University, Prevost joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982. He earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, developing expertise in Church law that would prove valuable throughout his ecclesiastical career.

Prevost’s leadership abilities were recognized early, and he rose through the ranks of the Augustinian order, eventually being elected Prior General (worldwide leader) of the Order of St. Augustine, a position he held from 2001 to 2013. This role gave him extensive experience managing a global religious organization and required regular travel to Augustinian communities across six continents.

His connection to Latin America began in the 1980s, when he spent several years as a missionary in Peru. This experience profoundly shaped his pastoral approach and understanding of the challenges facing the Church in the developing world. His fluency in Spanish and deep appreciation for Latin American culture proved valuable when Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2015.

After eight years leading the Diocese of Chiclayo, where he became known for his commitment to the poor and marginalized, Prevost was called back to Rome in 2023 when Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops—the Vatican office responsible for evaluating and recommending candidates for episcopal appointments worldwide. This position placed him at the heart of Church governance and expanded his network of relationships within the global episcopate.

Pope Francis elevated Prevost to the College of Cardinals in September 2023, making him eligible to participate in a conclave—and ultimately, to be elected pope himself less than two years later.

Colleagues describe the new Pope Leo XIV as thoughtful, deliberative, and deeply pastoral—a man who combines intellectual rigor with genuine compassion for those on the margins of society. His years in Peru have given him firsthand experience with the challenges facing the Church in regions where Catholicism is growing most rapidly, while his American background provides perspective on the Church’s situation in more secularized Western societies.

THE CONCLAVE: SWIFT BUT DELIBERATIVE

The conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV lasted just two days—remarkably brief by historical standards, though longer than the conclave that elected his predecessor, Pope Francis, in 2013. The relatively swift conclusion suggests that Cardinal Prevost emerged as a consensus candidate capable of bridging various factions within the College of Cardinals.

As with all conclaves, the proceedings were conducted under strict secrecy, with cardinals taking an oath to maintain confidentiality about their deliberations. However, Vatican analysts note that the conclave’s brevity indicates that Cardinal Prevost likely built significant support through the pre-conclave meetings known as “general congregations,” where cardinals discuss the challenges facing the Church and informally assess potential candidates.

“A two-day conclave tells us that Cardinal Prevost was probably already emerging as a strong candidate during the general congregations,” explained Vatican expert Sofia Martinez. “While not as quick as Pope Francis’s election, which required only five ballots over two days, this conclave’s efficiency suggests that the cardinals recognized in Prevost qualities that could unite different perspectives within the Church.”

The conclave began on May 6, with the 138 cardinal electors processing into the Sistine Chapel after celebrating the Mass for the Election of a Roman Pontiff at St. Peter’s Basilica. Following the traditional oath and the declaration “Extra omnes” (“Everyone out”), the chapel doors were closed, leaving the cardinals to begin their deliberations.

Black smoke emerged from the chapel chimney after the first two votes on Tuesday, indicating no candidate had reached the required two-thirds majority. Black smoke appeared again Wednesday morning after the third and fourth votes. The white smoke that finally emerged early Wednesday afternoon signaled that the fifth ballot had produced a decisive result.

Though the exact vote tallies remain confidential, Vatican sources suggest that Cardinal Prevost’s election came after support coalesced around him as a candidate acceptable to both those cardinals aligned with Pope Francis’s reform agenda and those seeking a more traditional approach.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF AN AMERICAN POPE

The election of the first American pope represents a seismic shift in the Church’s 2,000-year history. For centuries, the papacy was dominated by Italians, with occasional popes from other European nations. The election of Poland’s Karol Wojtyła as Pope John Paul II in 1978 broke the Italian monopoly, followed by Germany’s Joseph Ratzinger as Benedict XVI and Argentina’s Jorge Bergoglio as Francis. Now, with an American pope, the Church’s leadership continues its global expansion.

The selection of Cardinal Prevost comes at a time when the Catholic Church in the United States faces significant challenges, including declining attendance, the continued fallout from the sexual abuse crisis, and polarization that often mirrors the broader American political divide. His election will inevitably be scrutinized for its potential impact on American Catholicism and U.S.-Vatican relations.

However, Vatican observers caution against viewing Pope Leo XIV primarily through an American lens. His extensive international experience, particularly his years in Peru and his leadership of a global religious order, has shaped a worldview that transcends national boundaries.

“Cardinal Prevost may be American by birth, but his formation and ministry have been thoroughly international,” noted Father Thomas Reynolds, a professor of ecclesiology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. “His years in Latin America especially have given him perspective on the Church in the Global South, where Catholicism is growing most rapidly. He brings a unique blend of North American and Latin American experiences to the papacy.”

The election of an American pope also carries geopolitical implications. As the United States continues to navigate complex relationships with China, Russia, and various regions experiencing conflict, Pope Leo XIV’s American background will add a new dimension to Vatican diplomacy. While popes are expected to transcend national interests in favor of universal moral principles, their cultural backgrounds inevitably inform their worldviews and diplomatic approaches.

THE LEGACY OF POPE FRANCIS AND THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

Pope Leo XIV inherits a Church profoundly shaped by his predecessor’s twelve-year pontificate. Pope Francis, who died at age 88 after suffering a stroke on Easter Monday, had implemented significant reforms aimed at making the Church more pastoral, decentralized, and engaged with contemporary issues ranging from climate change to economic inequality.

The election of Cardinal Prevost, who was appointed to significant positions by Francis and elevated to the cardinalate in 2023, suggests a desire for continuity with key aspects of Francis’s legacy. During his time as Bishop of Chiclayo and later as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Prevost demonstrated commitment to many of the priorities Francis emphasized, including concern for the poor, environmental stewardship, and a more synodal (consultative) approach to Church governance.

However, Vatican analysts note that Pope Leo XIV will inevitably bring his own priorities and emphases to the papacy. As an Augustinian with a doctorate in canon law, he combines the spiritual tradition of one of Catholicism’s most influential theologians with detailed knowledge of Church law and governance.

“Every pope shapes the office according to his own charisms and the needs of the time,” explained Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who participated in the conclave. “Pope Leo brings his own unique gifts, including his Augustinian formation, his legal expertise, and his experience in both the developed and developing worlds. These will certainly influence his approach to the challenges facing the Church today.”

Those challenges are substantial. The new pope confronts declining Catholic practice in much of the Western world, while navigating growth in Africa and parts of Asia. Internal tensions between progressive and traditional factions within the Church have intensified in recent years, requiring diplomatic skill to maintain unity. The ongoing sexual abuse crisis continues to demand attention and healing. And the Church’s voice in international affairs—from armed conflicts to climate change to migration—requires both moral clarity and diplomatic nuance.

Pope Leo XIV’s background suggests he may be particularly well-equipped to address the Church’s North-South divide. Having served in both the United States and Peru, he has firsthand experience with the different realities facing Catholics in wealthy and developing nations. His fluency in English, Spanish, and Italian (along with reading knowledge of Latin, French, and Portuguese) enables him to communicate directly with Catholics across much of the world.

FIRST WORDS AND EARLY INDICATIONS

In his brief first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV offered hints of the themes that may characterize his pontificate.

“The Church exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ—a message of mercy, justice, and reconciliation for all humanity,” he stated. “In a world fragmented by conflict, inequality, and indifference, we are called to be witnesses to the unity and solidarity that God desires for the human family.”

These words echoed themes from both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIII, whose social encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching. The choice of the name Leo carries particular significance, suggesting an emphasis on the Church’s social doctrine and engagement with contemporary political and economic challenges.

Pope Leo XIV also emphasized the global nature of the Church in his initial remarks: “From the great cities of the world to the smallest villages, from ancient Christian communities to those newly established, our Church embraces all peoples and cultures. As your new shepherd, I pledge to listen to the voices of Catholics everywhere, especially those on the peripheries who too often go unheard.”

This explicit commitment to listening suggests continuity with Pope Francis’s emphasis on synodality—a more consultative, participatory approach to Church governance that involves greater input from lay Catholics and local churches.

The new pope concluded his brief address with a request that has become traditional for newly elected pontiffs: “Before I impart my blessing, I ask you to pray for me, that I may serve Christ’s Church with humility, wisdom, and courage. Your prayers will sustain me in the ministry I now begin.”

THE FIRST DAYS OF A PONTIFICATE

While Pope Leo XIV’s long-term priorities and initiatives will emerge over time, his first days in office will follow patterns established by tradition and necessity.

His formal installation Mass (the papal inauguration) will likely take place this Sunday, allowing time for heads of state and religious leaders from around the world to travel to Rome. This ceremony, though scaled back from the elaborate coronations of earlier centuries, remains rich in symbolism, featuring the imposition of the pallium (a woolen vestment symbolizing the pope’s role as shepherd) and the presentation of the Fisherman’s Ring, a symbol of papal authority.

One of the new pope’s first tasks will be appointing key personnel for his pontificate, including confirming or replacing the Secretary of State—effectively the Vatican’s prime minister—and other senior Curial officials. These appointments will provide early indications of his governing style and priorities.

Pope Leo XIV will also need to decide whether to continue residing in the modest Casa Santa Marta, as Pope Francis did, or return to the traditional papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace. This decision, while seemingly mundane, will signal much about his approach to papal office and lifestyle.

In the coming weeks, the new pope will begin receiving visits from bishops, heads of state, and other dignitaries. He will also likely schedule his first international trips, with destinations providing clues about his geopolitical and pastoral priorities.

GLOBAL REACTIONS TO THE HISTORIC ELECTION

News of Cardinal Prevost’s election as the first American pope triggered reactions worldwide, with particular attention in the United States and Latin America, regions that share connections to the new pontiff.

U.S. President James Sullivan issued a statement congratulating Pope Leo XIV: “As Americans, we take special pride in Cardinal Prevost’s election, while recognizing that as pope, he now belongs to the universal Church. His years of service both in the United States and abroad reflect the best of American values—commitment to freedom, justice, and human dignity—values that align with the Church’s social teaching.”

In Peru, where Prevost served as Bishop of Chiclayo for eight years, celebrations erupted in cities across the country. “Today Peru feels especially blessed,” said Peruvian President Elena Ramirez. “Bishop Prevost embraced our culture and our people during his years here. He knows the challenges facing Latin America and the Global South, and we are confident he will bring this perspective to his global ministry.”

Religious leaders from various traditions also offered congratulations. Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed hope for continued progress in Catholic-Orthodox relations, while Rabbi David Goldstein, representing the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations, noted Cardinal Prevost’s “consistent commitment to Catholic-Jewish dialogue.”

From Chicago, where Pope Leo XIV was born and raised, Cardinal Michael Thompson spoke of the city’s pride in its native son: “Chicago Catholics are overjoyed that one of our own has been called to this extraordinary service. Cardinal Prevost’s journey from Chicago’s South Side to St. Peter’s Chair reminds us that God calls servants from every corner of the world to lead His Church.”

At the Augustinian headquarters in Rome, joy was particularly evident among members of the order that formed the new pope. “Cardinal Prevost embodies the Augustinian charism of community, truth-seeking, and service,” said Father James Martinez, the current Prior General. “His election brings the Augustinian tradition to the papacy for the first time in history.”

THE HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MOMENT

The election of the first American pope represents a turning point in Church history comparable to the selection of the first non-Italian pope in 455 years when John Paul II was chosen in 1978. It reflects the continuing globalization of Church leadership and recognition of Catholicism’s shifting demographic center away from Europe.

With Catholics in the United States numbering approximately 70 million—the fourth-largest Catholic population globally—the American Church has long been influential in terms of financial resources and theological scholarship. However, the possibility of an American pope had often been dismissed due to concerns about associating the papacy too closely with the world’s dominant superpower.

“The election of an American represents the College of Cardinals’ judgment that Cardinal Prevost’s personal qualities and ecclesial experience outweigh any geopolitical concerns,” explained Vatican historian Professor Maria Lombardi. “It also suggests confidence that he will exercise the papacy as a truly universal pastor, not unduly influenced by his national origins.”

The selection of the name Leo carries particular historical resonance. Pope Leo XIII, whose 25-year pontificate (1878-1903) spanned the turn of the 20th century, is remembered for his social encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed the conditions of workers during the Industrial Revolution and laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching. By choosing this name, the new pope signals potential emphasis on the Church’s engagement with contemporary social, economic, and political challenges.

CONCLUSION: A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS

As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, the Catholic Church enters a new chapter in its long history. The election of the first American pope—a man formed by both North and South American experiences—represents a significant evolution in the Church’s leadership and potentially in its approach to the challenges of the 21st century.

While any new pope inevitably brings change, Vatican observers note that Cardinal Prevost’s background suggests a pontificate that will combine elements of continuity and innovation. His selection by a College of Cardinals largely appointed by Pope Francis indicates appreciation for key aspects of his predecessor’s vision, while his unique personal and professional journey ensures he will bring fresh perspectives to the papacy.

In the coming days, as Pope Leo XIV begins to appoint key officials, schedule his first trips, and outline his priorities, Catholics and non-Catholics alike will watch for indications of how this historic pontificate will unfold. For now, the focus remains on this unprecedented moment: for the first time in its two-thousand-year history, the Catholic Church is led by a pope from the United States of America.

As the bells of St. Peter’s continue to ring out across Rome and Catholics worldwide absorb this historic news, the words from the balcony echo: “Habemus Papam“—We have a Pope.