Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff

 On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old American from Chicago, was elected the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Leo XIV. His election, announced with white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, followed two days of voting by 133 cardinal-electors during a conclave that began on May 7, after the death of Pope Francis on April 21. 

Prevost, a member of the Augustinian order, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at 6:30 p.m., addressing over 50,000 gathered faithful with the words, “Peace be with you.” He paid tribute to Francis, pledging to build bridges and lead a “missionary church,” emphasizing unity and humility.

Prevost, who served as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops since 2023, emerged as a compromise candidate between progressive and conservative factions. His diplomatic experience in Peru, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, coupled with his theological alignment with St. Augustine, shaped his reputation as a pastoral yet pragmatic leader. The conclave, held in secrecy, saw Prevost secure the required two-thirds majority, surpassing frontrunners like Italy’s Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the Philippines’ Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. His choice of the name Leo, honoring Pope Leo XIII’s social justice legacy, signals a focus on addressing global inequality and climate change.

As the first American pope in the Church’s 2,000-year history, Prevost’s election marks a historic shift, reflecting the growing influence of the U.S. Catholic community, with 70 million members. His agenda includes continuing Francis’ reforms, such as decentralizing Church governance and promoting synodality, while navigating divisive issues like women’s roles and same-sex blessings. The Vatican expects 30 million pilgrims for the 2025 Jubilee, with Prevost’s leadership pivotal in leveraging AI-driven digital tools, like the virtual St. Peter’s Basilica, to engage global audiences. His election has sparked optimism for a Church seeking to balance tradition and modernity amid global challenges.