History was made today as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago and longtime missionary in Peru, was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
He has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American pope in the Church’s nearly 2,000-year history.
The white smoke signaling his election rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:07 p.m. Rome time, sending waves of jubilation through St. Peter’s Square. By 7:12 p.m., French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti formally introduced the new pontiff from the central balcony with the traditional proclamation: “Habemus Papam!”
Pope Leo XIV, 69, was serving as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru. A member of the Order of St. Augustine, he is widely respected for his pastoral leadership, missionary service, and efforts to reform bishop appointments worldwide.
Known for his humility and quiet strength, Pope Leo XIV spent over two decades in Peru, including as bishop of Chiclayo. He was appointed to the Vatican in 2023 by Pope Francis, who admired his missionary background and commitment to a servant-leadership model.
His election comes at a time of transition within the global Church. Seen as a unifying figure, Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue Francis’ reforms while promoting deeper pastoral outreach and healing within the Church.
Speaking several languages fluently—including English, Spanish, Italian, and French—the new pope brings a cosmopolitan yet deeply grounded presence to the papacy.
Tens of thousands gathered in the square erupted in applause as he stepped out to greet the world, offering a brief but heartfelt blessing. As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, Catholics across the globe look ahead with hope and anticipation.
