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Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, making history as the first American to hold the position. The 69-year-old Chicago-born prelate has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, ushering in a new chapter for the Church’s 1.4 billion members worldwide.
The announcement came on 8 May 2025, when white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:07 p.m. local time, signalling that the College of Cardinals had reached the required two-thirds majority on the fourth ballot. Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti delivered the traditional Habemus Papam from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, formally introducing the new pope to the faithful.
Born on 14 September 1955 to a French father and Italian mother, Prevost joined the Order of St Augustine in 1977 and later earned a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He served extensively in Peru, where he became a naturalised citizen and Archbishop of Chiclayo.
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, placing him at the helm of global episcopal appointments. He also chaired the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, further raising his profile within the Vatican.
A Pope for Unity and Reform
Pope Leo XIV is widely seen as a consensus figure and bridge-builder. His experience across continents and in senior Vatican roles is expected to guide efforts to unite a Church facing internal divisions and mounting global challenges.
In his first public address, he greeted the crowd with: “Peace be with all of you!” — a gesture many interpret as a message of harmony and continuity.
This conclave was the most geographically diverse in the Church’s history, with 133 cardinal electors from 71 countries. A significant number were appointed by Pope Francis, reflecting his emphasis on global representation.
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Challenges and Expectations
The new pontiff assumes office amid declining church attendance in the West, ongoing clerical abuse crises, and the need for diplomatic engagement on the global stage. His supporters highlight his compassion and administrative strength, while some advocacy groups have called for greater transparency regarding his past handling of abuse cases in Peru and within the Augustinian order.
Global Reactions
Pope Leo XIV’s election has drawn widespread attention. U.S. President Donald Trump posted a congratulatory message, calling the moment historic and meaningful for both the Church and the United States.
As the world looks to the Vatican, all eyes are now on Pope Leo XIV’s leadership and the path he will chart for the Catholic Church in the years ahead.
