Habemus Papam! First American Pope, Pope Leo XIV Elected as 267th Pope of the Catholic Church

Historic Election
VATICAN CITY — In a surprise move, the College of Cardinals has elected Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago, Illinois, as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first U.S. citizen to hold the office.

A Message of Peace

In his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd with a message of peace, saying, “Peace be with you all! I would like this greeting of peace to reach all people, in the entire world.”

Background

Born in Chicago, Prevost is a former head of the Order of St. Augustine and served as Archbishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023. He holds degrees from Villanova University and Catholic Theological Union, as well as a degree in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

Reaction

The reaction to his election was one of shock and excitement, with many expressing joy and pride in having an American pope. “It feels surreal,” said Corinne Bernhard, a Chicagoan in the crowd. “I would’ve never thought in a million years that it would’ve been an American,” said Miles Redwine, a Catholic visiting from Texas.

A New Chapter

As Pope Leo XIV, Prevost is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the papacy, building on the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, known for his commitment to social justice and opening the church to the world. With his experience as head of the Dicastery for Bishops, Prevost is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the church’s global presence.

Unity and Inclusion

In a recent interview, Prevost emphasized the importance of unity and inclusion in the church, saying, “We bishops especially must accelerate this movement towards unity, towards communion in the church.” His election is seen as a sign of the cardinals’ commitment to these values.