For the first time in history, an American has been elected pope. Robert Prevost from Chicago is now Pope Leo XIV. He becomes the 267th pope and spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
At 69, the new pontiff appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening. Addressing thousands of cheering Catholics, he opened with the words: “Peace be with you all.”
A message of unity and mission
Pope Leo XIV praised his predecessor, Pope Francis, urging Catholics to remember his legacy of unity and missionary spirit.
“We must be a missionary Church,” Leo said. “A Church that builds bridges and dialogue.”
He called for charity, love, and open dialogue, delivering his first message in Italian.
Leo XIV was elected just two days after 133 cardinals entered conclave. His quick selection signals strong support from his fellow cardinals.
Like Francis and Benedict XVI, he was chosen on the second day of deliberation. His appointment brings joy to American Catholics, where one in five adults identifies with the Church.
Pope Leo XIV steps into office during a complex time for the Catholic Church. He inherits a Church shaped by Pope Francis’ reforms, including a shift from divisive topics like abortion and homosexuality to focus on poverty, migration, and compassion.
He must also confront deep internal crises. The clerical sex abuse scandal remains unresolved. Many eyes will watch how he handles these painful issues.
Leo signalled both respect for Francis and a new direction. Unlike Francis, he wore full traditional papal robes during his first appearance.
A respected leader
Before his election, Robert Prevost led the Dicastery for Bishops, advising the Vatican on bishop appointments. He was chosen for this key role by Pope Francis himself.
Prevost also led the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and served as prior general of the Augustinian order. He spent over a decade as a missionary in Peru.
He became Bishop of Chiclayo in 2014 and was later granted Peruvian citizenship.
A global perspective
In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV switched from Italian to Spanish to greet his former Peruvian diocese.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte praised his election, calling it “historic.”
“He lived among us. He shared our struggles and our joy,” she said.
In the US, Donald Trump called his election a “great honor.” Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, praised Leo’s mission and leadership.
Prevost’s time in Peru eased concerns about an American pope. His global background helped convince cardinals he could lead a global church.
“He’s from the West, but deeply connected to the developing world,” said CNN’s Vatican analyst Elise Allen. “He’s calm, balanced, and respected.”
Prevost studied mathematics at Villanova University and earned a theology diploma in Chicago. He later earned a canon law degree in Rome.
Ordained in 1982, he also taught canon law in Trujillo, Peru. He once said, “I still consider myself a missionary.”
Looking ahead to 2025 Jubilee
Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy ahead of the 2025 Jubilee Year. The global Catholic event will include special Vatican celebrations and Masses.
But he must also navigate growing political tensions and divisions within the Church.
Pope Francis was praised for humility and compassion, but some conservative factions want stricter rules on sex, marriage, and gender.
Leo has shown support for inclusion, including welcoming women into roles of influence. He said women now offer “real and meaningful participation” in Vatican decisions.
A diplomatic role in a turbulent world
Leo will also step into global diplomacy. Francis became more political in his final years—supporting migrants, calling for peace in conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war, and urging compromise in Ukraine.
Leo will have to decide when to speak out on these issues.
Handling the Catholic sex abuse crisis may define his papacy. Survivors still demand transparency and accountability.
Leo has acknowledged that some dioceses are doing well, but said, “There is still much to learn.”
A 2023 Vatican report said some church regions still fail to report abuse properly.
A new chapter for the Catholic Church
Pope Leo XIV begins his leadership with global hope and local pride. As the first American pope, he carries great expectations.
Now, Catholics wait to see how he will shape the future of the world’s largest Christian community.
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