In a historic first, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American-Peruvian cleric, was elected the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. The announcement was made today in the Vatican following the conclusion of the conclave. He will be called Pope Leo XIV, making him the first American to hold this papal office.
- Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of American and Peruvian heritage has been elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
- This historic moment marks the first instance of an American ascending to the papal office.
- His papacy follows the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, with millions mourning the previous pontiff’s departure.
Prevost’s election came just under two weeks after the death of Pope Francis, who died on April 21 from complications of a stroke. Pope Francis was buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Over 400,000 mourners attended the farewell ceremony on April 26.
Pope Leo XIV, born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, brings a distinctive global perspective to the papacy. Although he was born in the United States, he spent many years in Peru, which, along with his work in the Catholic Church, earned him a reputation as a bridge-builder between cultures.
A former Prior General of the Augustinian Order and head of the Dicastery for Bishops, he was created a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023. At the time, he was considered a close ally of the late pontiff and a voice of continuity on important reforms.
He is also known for advocating for more inclusive practices within the Church, including a compassionate stance on divorce and same-sex blessing—positions consistent with Pope Francis’s legacy of gradual reforms.
The conclave began on May 7 and made a decision on the second day. According to reports, the Prevost was reportedly chosen as a compromise candidate. While some initially questioned his short tenure as cardinal, his international experience and moderate theological views appear to have carried the day.
A message of peace and unity from the new Pope
In his first address from the Vatican balcony, Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of unity and hope:
“May this message of peace penetrate your hearts, reach your families, and all people, wherever they are.”
He also paid tribute to Pope Francis and urged the faithful to “move forward without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with one another.”
What It Means for the Church and the World
With more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, including growing communities in Africa and Latin America, the election of Pope Leo XIV could mark a renewed interest in the Global South. His leadership comes at a time when the Church is facing internal debates over doctrine, inclusion, and modern relevance.
As the world watches the new pope’s first steps, the impact on social policy, interreligious dialogue, and Africa’s growing Catholic population will be closely watched.
