In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope on May 8, 2025, becoming the first American pontiff in history. The announcement followed the conclusion of a papal conclave held at the Vatican, where cardinals gathered to choose a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away the previous month.
Prevost, aged 69, is a Chicago native who spent decades serving in the Catholic Church, including significant roles in Latin America and within the Vatican. His election marks a pivotal shift in the leadership of the Church, with the papacy now in the hands of the first pope from the United States.
The news of his election was confirmed when white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel, a signal that the cardinals had reached a decision. Around an hour later, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and declared, “Habemus Papam” (We have a pope). Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, greeted the crowd with his first words as pontiff: “Peace be with all you.”
Born on September 14, 1955, to a family of French, Italian, and Spanish descent, Robert Francis Prevost was raised in Chicago. He initially studied mathematics but felt a calling to the priesthood, joining the Order of St. Augustine in 1977. Over the years, he worked as a missionary in Peru, served as Bishop of Chiclayo, and held influential roles within the Vatican, including Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
His background in education, social justice, and leadership has shaped his approach to the Church’s mission. As the first American pope, Prevost’s election is not only a historic event for the Catholic Church but also a significant moment for the global community, symbolizing the Church’s deepening connection with North America.
In his previous role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Prevost was responsible for evaluating candidates for the episcopate around the world. His influence and visibility within the Vatican had grown significantly, positioning him as a prominent candidate in the papal race.
Pope Leo XIV’s election also drew reactions from around the world, including from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who congratulated Prevost on becoming the first American pope. Trump’s statement expressed his pride in the historic achievement, calling it a “great honor” for the United States.
This milestone in papal history reflects not only the global reach of the Catholic Church but also the changing dynamics of leadership within one of the world’s oldest and most influential institutions. Pope Leo XIV’s election represents a new chapter in the Church’s history, one that connects its rich traditions with a rapidly changing world.
