Leo XIV Becomes First American Pope in History

In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States was elected pope on May 8, becoming the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s two-thousand-year history. The 69-year-old Chicago native has taken the name Pope Leo XIV and succeeds the late Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this year.

Appearing before tens of thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV offered his first public blessing from the iconic balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. In his remarks, he paid heartfelt tribute to his predecessor and emphasized a message of peace, unity, and hope.

“Let us continue the path of love, mercy, and dialogue that Pope Francis so faithfully led,” he said. “I ask you to walk with me in peace and humility.”

Pope Leo XIV brings a wealth of international and pastoral experience to the papacy. He is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru and has served much of his ministry in Latin America. As a missionary in Peru, he worked closely with local communities and eventually became a bishop. Prior to his election, he led the powerful Vatican office responsible for overseeing bishop appointments around the world—a role that made him a significant figure in shaping the global leadership of the Catholic Church.

Known for his deep commitment to social justice, evangelization, and pastoral care, Pope Leo is widely expected to continue and expand upon the reformist legacy of Pope Francis. Observers believe his North and South American roots, combined with his experience inside the Vatican Curia, position him to bridge divides within the Church and address global challenges with a broad perspective.

The news of his election quickly resonated around the globe. World leaders and religious figures sent messages of congratulations and hope. US President Donald Trump called the moment “a great honor for our nation and a powerful symbol of the American spirit of faith and service.”

In Latin America, where Pope Leo spent decades as a missionary, many expressed pride in his elevation. “He is one of us,” said a Peruvian parishioner from Chiclayo, where he once served. “He understands the people, and he knows our struggles.”

Pope Leo XIV now faces a demanding agenda that includes navigating the Church through complex global issues such as climate change, migration, poverty, and internal reform. His election also signals the Church’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion within its highest ranks.

As the world watched the white smoke rise from the Sistine Chapel, a new chapter in Catholic history began—one shaped by a pope who has walked among the people in two continents and now seeks to unite a global flock under the banner of compassion and peace.