In an unprecedented moment in Catholic history, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, making him the first American ever to hold the papal office. The 69-year-old Chicago native has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, symbolizing humility, missionary zeal, and global engagement.
The election was confirmed on May 8, 2025, as white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the decision of the conclave following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced the result from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to a jubilant crowd with the traditional “Habemus Papam!”
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square with the words, “Peace be with all of you,” and requested their prayers before offering his first apostolic blessing.
A Life of Service Across Continents
Born at Mercy Hospital in Chicago on September 14, 1955, Robert Francis Prevost is the son of Mildred (Martínez), a librarian, and Louis Marius Prevost, a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and school administrator. His heritage is richly diverse: his father had Italian and French roots, while his mother descended from Louisiana Creole parents of African, French, and Spanish ancestry. His maternal grandfather was born in Haiti.
Prevost grew up in Dolton, Illinois, a southern suburb of Chicago. He served as an altar boy at St. Mary of the Assumption Church and graduated with honors from St. Augustine Seminary High School in 1973. During his high school years, he earned academic commendations and was active in leadership, yearbook editing, and public speaking. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977 and a Diploma in Theology from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, and able to read Latin and German, Prevost began his clerical journey with the Order of St. Augustine. He served in Peru from 1985 to 1986 and again from 1988 to 1998 as a parish pastor, seminary teacher, administrator, and diocesan official. In 2001, he was elected Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, serving in Rome until 2013.
He returned to Peru in 2015 as Bishop of Chiclayo, a position to which he was appointed by Pope Francis. In 2023, he was elevated to Cardinal, and later that year, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, significantly raising his profile within the Vatican.
Trump Reacts: ‘A Great Honor for Our Country’
U.S. President Donald J. Trump celebrated the election on his social platform, hailing the moment as one of national and spiritual significance:
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!” — Donald J. Trump via Truth Social
Trump’s post was widely shared and echoed sentiments from millions of American Catholics and political figures recognizing the symbolic significance of an American pontiff.
What Comes Next
Pope Leo XIV inherits a global Church facing complex challenges: from internal calls for reform and abuse accountability to environmental justice, geopolitical instability, and strengthening faith in an increasingly secular world.
He is expected to celebrate his inaugural Mass within the week, followed by consultations with Vatican leadership on the future direction of his papacy.
While his leadership style is described as pastoral and bridge-building, the new pope’s global roots and administrative experience are expected to shape a modern vision of Catholicism—one rooted in tradition, dialogue, and global responsibility.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, his very identity signals a shift—toward a Church that is both universal and increasingly shaped by the Americas.
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