Robert Francis Prevost Becomes First American Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV

Cardinal Prevost, a missionary and reformist from Chicago, elected as the 267th pope in a historic move by the Catholic Church.

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 —
In a historic decision, Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago, has been elected the new pope, becoming the first American to lead the 1.4 billion-member Roman Catholic Church. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

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The announcement came 70 minutes after white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, indicating consensus among the 133 cardinal electors. French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti officially declared “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”) from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, as tens of thousands gathered below erupted in cheers.

A Pope of Mission and Modesty

Pope Leo XIV has spent much of his life as a missionary in Peru, focusing on community service and clerical training. Elevated to the College of Cardinals only in 2023, his rise to the papacy is seen as both unexpected and deeply symbolic of the Church’s global evolution.

Also Read: How a Pope Is Elected: Inside the Vatican’s Conclave Process Following Pope Francis’ Death

Despite his low media profile and aversion to public speaking, Leo XIV is known in ecclesiastical circles as a practical reformist who aligns with many of the progressive ideals promoted by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away last month after a 12-year tenure.

A Church at a Crossroads

Pope Francis’ reign was marked by groundbreaking reforms—welcoming debate on women’s ordination, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and shifting the Church’s tone on moral and social issues. The conclave that elected Leo XIV had been seen as a referendum on that legacy.

Also Read: “End of an Era: Pope Francis Dies at 88, Vatican Begins Quest for His Successor”— Blending reverence with the gravity of the moment.

While some cardinals sought a return to conservative roots, the election of Prevost appears to reflect an appetite for moderate continuity, particularly focused on outreach, social justice, and modernization without upheaval.

As Pope Leo XIV prepares to deliver his first address to the world, all eyes are on how he will shape the future of one of the most powerful religious institutions on Earth.

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Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost, new pope 2025, Vatican conclave, Catholic Church leadership, first American pope, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis successor