Robert F. Prevost, Now Leo XIV, Becomes First American Pope

Chicago-born Cardinal Robert F. Prevost has made history as the first American pope in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year existence, taking the name Pope Leo XIV and signaling a new era for the world’s 1.39 billion Catholics.

Quick Takes

Historic White Smoke Signals First American Pope

White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday, announcing to the world that the College of Cardinals had selected a successor to Pope Francis. Over 45,000 faithful gathered in Saint Peter’s Square erupted in celebration as the bells of Saint Peter’s Basilica rang out. French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti appeared on the central balcony to deliver the traditional Latin proclamation “Habemus papam” (“We have a pope”), revealing Cardinal Robert F. Prevost as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The announcement marked a historic milestone as the first time an American has ascended to the papacy.

The conclave that elected Prevost was the largest in Church history, with 133 eligible cardinal electors participating over just two days of deliberation. These cardinals represented 71 countries across six continents, making it one of the most geographically diverse gatherings in Vatican history. The largest national voting blocs came from Italy (17), the United States (10), and Brazil (seven). For the first time, countries including Bangladesh, Cape Verde, and the Central African Republic had representation in selecting the leader of the global Catholic community.

Pope Leo XIV: A Bridge Between Worlds

Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1955, Prevost studied theology in Chicago before being ordained as a priest in 1982 after completing studies in Rome. His service to the Church took him to Peru, where he spent significant time as a missionary and later ran an Augustinian seminary in Trujillo. This international experience ultimately resulted in his dual citizenship with Peru, giving him deep connections to both North and South America. His extensive work in Latin America provides him firsthand knowledge of issues facing the Church in developing regions.

The new pontiff’s choice of the name Leo XIV carries significant historical weight. Leo is the fifth-most-popular papal name, and Prevost’s selection specifically honors Pope Leo XIII, who is noted for his contributions to Catholic social justice teaching. This choice signals Prevost’s priorities and vision for his papacy. Observers note that selecting a name is a deeply symbolic act for new popes, representing a second birth and establishing the tone for their leadership.

From Vatican Administrator to Supreme Pontiff

Prior to his elevation, Cardinal Prevost held significant leadership positions that prepared him for the papacy. Pope Francis appointed him bishop of Chiclayo, Peru in 2015 after he had served as apostolic administrator of the diocese since 2014. Most recently, he served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops at the Vatican, a critical role overseeing the selection of new bishops worldwide. This position gave him unparalleled insight into the global church’s leadership needs and challenges while building relationships with clergy worldwide.

Prevost is reportedly described as largely a centrist, and he indicated he intends to continue Pope Francis’s work. According to him, “We have to be a church that works together to build bridges and to keep our arms open, like this very piazza, welcoming.”