On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. This historic election marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy in the Church’s 2,000-year history.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV has a rich multicultural heritage, with Italian, French, and Spanish roots. He is a member of the Order of St. Augustine and spent a significant portion of his ecclesiastical career in Peru, where he served as a missionary and later as the Bishop of Chiclayo. In 2023, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a pivotal role overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide .
The papal conclave convened following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. After two days of deliberations, the 133 cardinal electors reached a consensus, and white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:07 p.m. local time, signaling the election of the new pope. Moments later, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, introducing Pope Leo XIV to the world .
In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with the words, “Peace be with you,” emphasizing themes of unity, dialogue, and compassion. He spoke in Italian and Spanish, reflecting his international experience and missionary work in Latin America. His election is seen as a continuation of the Church’s efforts to embrace diversity and global representation within its leadership .
