VATICAN CITY—History was made today as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born cleric, was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Leo XIV. His election marks a significant moment in the Church’s 2,000-year history, as he becomes the first American pontiff to ascend to the papacy.
The conclave began on May 7 and saw 133 cardinal electors gather in the Sistine Chapel to determine Pope Francis’ successor. After two days and four rounds of voting, white smoke billowed from the chapel’s chimney at 6:07 p.m. local time, signaling that a new pope had been chosen. Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, cheering as bells rang across Vatican City.
Emerging onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV addressed the crowd in Italian and Spanish, offering a message of unity and peace. His first words as pope were: “Peace be with you all”. He paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, and emphasized his commitment to walking alongside the faithful: “God loves us all, unconditionally”.
Leo XIV’s journey to the papacy has been unique. Though born in Chicago, Illinois, he spent over two decades in Peru, serving as a missionary and later as Archbishop of Chiclayo. His deep ties to Latin America and leadership in the Vatican’s office for bishop appointments positioned him as a strong candidate for the papacy. His election signals a continuation of Pope Francis’ vision, emphasizing reform, inclusivity, and outreach to marginalized communities.
The new pope’s choice of name—Leo XIV—harkens back to previous pontiffs who bore the name Leo, many of whom were known for their theological contributions and leadership during pivotal moments in Church history. His election is expected to shape the future of Catholicism, as he navigates pressing issues such as climate change, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his tenure, the world watches with anticipation. His leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Church and its 1.4 billion members worldwide.