Just In: Robert Francis Prevost Becomes 1st American Pope: Takes Name Pope Leo XIV

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American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pontiff, making history as the first-ever pope from the United States. He will now be known as Pope Leo XIV, succeeding Pope Francis who stepped down due to health-related reasons.

The announcement came on Thursday, May 8, 2025, following a swift and unanimous decision by the College of Cardinals during the papal conclave held at the Vatican. White smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel signaled the decision, sparking jubilation among thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Moments later, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti made the traditional proclamation of “Habemus Papam” (We have a pope), introducing the new pontiff to the world.

A Historic First for the United States

Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Francis Prevost is a member of the Order of St. Augustine and has had a distinguished career in both missionary and administrative roles within the Catholic Church. Before his election, he served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most influential offices in the Vatican, where he was responsible for the selection and oversight of bishops around the globe.

Prevost also spent over two decades as a missionary in Peru, an experience that has profoundly shaped his pastoral outlook and emphasis on serving the marginalized. His appointment as pope marks a shift that many believe underscores the Church’s growing global identity and recognition of its expanding demographic in North and South America.

“Peace Be With You All”

Robert Francis Prevost Becomes First American Pope: Takes Name Pope Leo XIV — Pope Leo XIV

In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV opened with the words, “Peace be with all of you,” setting a tone of unity, humility, and continuity. He expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Pope Francis, and called on the faithful to pray for him as he undertakes the mission of shepherding over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.

Pope Leo XIV is expected to maintain many of Pope Francis’ reformist ideals, including a continued focus on curbing clerical abuse, promoting social justice, and expanding the Church’s outreach to the poor and disenfranchised. His American roots and Latin American missionary background position him uniquely to bridge the Church’s traditional doctrines with the evolving needs of modern believers.

Reactions from Around the World

Reactions to the announcement have been largely positive. President John Mahama of Ghana, President Joe Biden of the United States, and numerous global leaders extended congratulations, citing the historic nature of Pope Leo XIV’s election and expressing hope for stronger interfaith and international cooperation under his leadership.

Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana praised the new pope’s humility and global perspective, noting, “This is a great moment not just for America, but for the universal Church. Pope Leo XIV has a heart for the people.”

A New Chapter Begins

As Pope Leo XIV takes on the mantle of spiritual leadership, Catholics and observers alike will be watching to see how he navigates the complexities of leading a global church in an era marked by geopolitical tensions, religious pluralism, and rapid technological advancement.

His background in missionary service, theological scholarship, and curial governance suggests a papacy that may blend tradition with compassionate innovation. Regardless, history has already been made with his election, and the eyes of the world are now turned to Rome as this new chapter begins.

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