Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment as the first American to lead the Catholic Church in its 2,000-year history. The 69-year-old Chicago native, who spent much of his ecclesiastical career as a missionary in Peru, was chosen by 133 cardinal electors during the papal conclave following the death of Pope Francis .
Prevost’s election was announced with the traditional white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling a successful vote. He appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica approximately 70 minutes later, greeting the cheering crowd with the words, “Peace be with you all” .
Known for his quiet demeanor and commitment to social justice, Pope Leo XIV previously served as the Bishop of Chiclayo in northwestern Peru from 2015 to 2023. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to head the Vatican office responsible for selecting bishops worldwide, a role that significantly raised his profile within the Church .
In his first public address as pope, delivered in Italian and Spanish, Leo XIV emphasized themes of peace, dialogue, and inclusivity, reflecting continuity with the reformist vision of his predecessor .
The election of an American pope is seen as a significant shift, given historical hesitations about a U.S. pontiff due to the nation’s geopolitical influence. However, Prevost’s extensive missionary work and dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship may have alleviated such concerns among the cardinal electors .
Pope Leo XIV’s ascension is celebrated as a milestone for both the United States and the global Catholic community, signaling a potential new era in the Church’s leadership.