American Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV. On May 8, 2025, the Vatican conclave concluded with the election of a new pope. 70-year-old Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the United States was chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church, taking the name Leo XIV. This is a historic event — for the first time in over two millennia, the pope is a native of the United States.
The Path to the Papal Throne
Robert Prevost was born in Chicago in 1955. In his youth, he joined the Order of Saint Augustine, studied theology in Rome, and became a missionary in Peru. He spent over 20 years in one of the poorest regions — the city of Chiclayo — where he was widely recognized as a spiritual leader and advocate for the poor.
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops — one of the Vatican's most influential departments. This appointment positioned Prevost among the key figures in church leadership.
Pope Leo XIV — A Unifying Choice
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, 133 cardinals gathered for the conclave. Prevost was elected on the fourth ballot — relatively quickly by Vatican standards. He emerged as a compromise candidate who appealed to both conservative and progressive factions within the Church.
By choosing the name “Leo XIV,” he references Pope Leo XIII, author of the landmark social encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891). This may signal a papacy focused on social justice, workers' rights, and addressing economic inequality.
First Address: “Peace Be With You All”
From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted thousands gathered in Vatican Square with the words: “Peace be with you all! Let this be a time of unity, healing, and hope.”
He thanked his predecessor, Pope Francis, for his work on Church reform and for placing the poor and marginalized at the center of Church mission. He promised to continue in that direction, emphasizing dialogue, ecological responsibility, and compassion.
According to Vatican News, the new pope plans to meet with interfaith leaders in the coming weeks and to prioritize visits to Latin America and Africa.
Worldwide Reactions
World leaders quickly responded to the election. U.S. President Donald Trump called it “a historic day for America and the Christian world,” expressing pride in the appointment of an American pontiff.
French President Emmanuel Macron praised Prevost’s decades of service to the poor, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed hope that the new pope would serve as “a bridge between continents, cultures, and generations.”
The Church Faces a New Era
The Catholic Church in the 21st century faces a wide range of challenges — from increasing secularization in Europe to a growing number of believers in Africa and Asia; from internal crises to global concerns such as climate change, migration, and inequality.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new phase. His life story is one of service, humility, and global experience. Many believe these traits are exactly what the Church needs today: global awareness, deep listening, and the courage to act.
Robert Prevost was born in Chicago in 1955. In his youth, he joined the Order of Saint Augustine, studied theology in Rome, and became a missionary in Peru. He spent over 20 years in one of the poorest regions — the city of Chiclayo — where he was widely recognized as a spiritual leader and advocate for the poor.
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops — one of the Vatican's most influential departments. This appointment positioned Prevost among the key figures in church leadership.
Pope Leo XIV — A Unifying Choice
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, 133 cardinals gathered for the conclave. Prevost was elected on the fourth ballot — relatively quickly by Vatican standards. He emerged as a compromise candidate who appealed to both conservative and progressive factions within the Church.
By choosing the name “Leo XIV,” he references Pope Leo XIII, author of the landmark social encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891). This may signal a papacy focused on social justice, workers' rights, and addressing economic inequality.
First Address: “Peace Be With You All”
From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted thousands gathered in Vatican Square with the words: “Peace be with you all! Let this be a time of unity, healing, and hope.”
He thanked his predecessor, Pope Francis, for his work on Church reform and for placing the poor and marginalized at the center of Church mission. He promised to continue in that direction, emphasizing dialogue, ecological responsibility, and compassion.
According to Vatican News, the new pope plans to meet with interfaith leaders in the coming weeks and to prioritize visits to Latin America and Africa.
Worldwide Reactions
World leaders quickly responded to the election. U.S. President Donald Trump called it “a historic day for America and the Christian world,” expressing pride in the appointment of an American pontiff.
French President Emmanuel Macron praised Prevost’s decades of service to the poor, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed hope that the new pope would serve as “a bridge between continents, cultures, and generations.”
The Church Faces a New Era
The Catholic Church in the 21st century faces a wide range of challenges — from increasing secularization in Europe to a growing number of believers in Africa and Asia; from internal crises to global concerns such as climate change, migration, and inequality.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new phase. His life story is one of service, humility, and global experience. Many believe these traits are exactly what the Church needs today: global awareness, deep listening, and the courage to act.
Leo XIV is the first American on the Throne of Saint Peter. His election is already a defining event for both the Church and the world. Whether he will be a reformer, a reconciler, or a visionary for a new era — or all three — remains to be seen.