Vatican City: Cardinal Robert Prevost, a former missionary in Peru and a relatively new cardinal, was elected as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first American-born pope.
The 69-year-old native of Chicago took the name Pope Leo XIV and made his first appearance on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, greeting the massive crowd with a warm ‘Peace be with you all’ spoken in fluent Italian and Spanish.
White smoke from the Sistine Chapel signaled his election, confirming that the 133 cardinal electors had chosen him as the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away last month after a 12-year papacy.
Prevost’s election marks a significant milestone: not only is he the first US pope, but his ascension represents a continuation of Pope Francis’ vision for a more inclusive, modern, and justice-oriented Church.
In his brief address, Pope Leo expressed gratitude to his predecessor and reaffirmed the Church’s mission of peace, charity, and closeness to those who suffer.
Pope Leo XIV enters the Sistine Chapel to celebrate Mass with the cardinals. pic.twitter.com/1sYNTAuFZV
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 9, 2025
From Chicago to Peru: A Humble Journey of Service
Born in Chicago, Prevost has spent most of his life serving Latin American communities, particularly in Peru, where he worked as a missionary and later served as bishop of Chiclayo.
Fluent in Spanish and deeply embedded in local realities, he also holds dual US-Peruvian citizenship.
Prevost rose to prominence in Church leadership when Pope Francis appointed him in 2023 to head the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, the powerful office responsible for selecting bishops worldwide. Though he only became a cardinal in 2023, his deep roots in social justice and support for reformist principles aligned closely with the evolving vision of the global Church.
Reactions Across the Globe
Celebrations erupted at Prevost’s alma mater in Chicago, where faculty and clergy gathered to watch the historic announcement.
In Peru, President Dina Boluarte praised the new pope’s deep connection to the nation’s poor and marginalized, stating his presence “left an indelible mark on the hearts of Peru.”
However, not all responses were celebratory. The U.S.-based Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) voiced “grave concern” over Prevost’s handling of past abuse cases in both Chicago and Peru, urging Pope Leo to commit fully to accountability and transparency. While Prevost has spoken in favor of honesty and openness regarding abuse, his record is expected to come under scrutiny.
President Donald Trump swiftly offered his congratulations, calling it a “great honor for our country,” and expressing eagerness to meet the new pope.
Pope Leo XIV greeted the city of Rome and the world at his first appearance as the Successor of Peter from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd, who gave… pic.twitter.com/AqJcOpK5Ge
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025
The Symbolism of ‘Leo’
In choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope invokes the legacy of Leo XIII (1878–1903), widely regarded as a pioneer of Catholic social teaching.
Pope Leo XIII’s groundbreaking encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the groundwork for the Church’s modern stance on labor rights and economic justice areas, which Pope Leo XIV is also expected to concentrate on.
Prevost’s surprise election is likely to usher in a new era of continuity with Pope Francis’ reforms, particularly in expanding dialogue around previously taboo topics such as women’s ordination, LGBT inclusion, and decentralization of Church authority.
Though reserved by nature and often media-shy, Pope Leo XIV steps onto the world stage at a moment of great moral, political, and spiritual complexity.
