For the first time in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church, an American citizen has been elected pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost, a native of Chicago and a longtime missionary, has been chosen to lead the global Catholic community, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV.
A member of the Augustinian Order, Pope Leo XIV has spent years working in Peru, where he also holds citizenship. Known for his deep commitment to faith and service, his election marks a transformative moment in Church history.
As white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of the new pope, tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in joy. The senior cardinal stepped forward to deliver the traditional Latin announcement: “Habemus Papam”, meaning “We have a Pope.”
Dressed in the traditional papal red mozzetta, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with his first words: “Peace be with you.” He then offered his first apostolic blessing to the cheering crowd.
Previously the head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, Cardinal Prevost was considered one of Pope Francis’ most trusted collaborators and potential successors. His election is being hailed as a moment of renewal and global unity for the Church.