By Daniel Bampoe
In a landmark moment for the Roman Catholic Church and the United States, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected as the 267th pontiff, making history as the first American to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Upon his election by the College of Cardinals, he assumed the papal name Leo XIV and delivered his first public address to a jubilant crowd gathered at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican on May 7, 2025.
The announcement came after a relatively swift conclave process that concluded with white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel chimney on the second day of deliberations — a signal to the world that a new pope had been chosen.
Echoing the simplicity and humility of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo XIV emerged on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and greeted the cheering faithful with the words: “Peace be with you all.”
From Chicago to the Vatican: A Global Clerical Journey
Pope Leo XIV, 69, brings with him decades of global pastoral experience. Born in Chicago, he joined the Order of St. Augustine and spent a significant portion of his clerical life as a missionary in Latin America.
He served for a decade in Trujillo, Peru, and was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo in 2014 — a post he held until 2023.
He also holds Peruvian citizenship, which he acquired in 2015 in recognition of his deep engagement with the local church and community.
Before his election, Prevost led the Vatican’s powerful Dicastery for Bishops, a key office responsible for appointing Catholic bishops worldwide — positioning him as a major player in shaping the Church’s global leadership.
He is widely viewed as a steady, reform-minded prelate who is expected to carry forward many of Pope Francis’ initiatives, including efforts to make the Church more inclusive, transparent, and mission-oriented.
A Message of Unity and Dialogue
In his first public remarks, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away last month.
“Let us keep in our ears the weak voice of Pope Francis that blesses Rome,” he said, visibly emotional. “God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail.”
He also called for a “missionary Church that builds bridges and engages in dialogue,” emphasizing themes of charity, unity, and peace.
Notably, he addressed the crowd in several languages — Italian, Spanish, and English — reflecting both his multicultural experience and the Church’s global reach.
In Spanish, he sent a heartfelt greeting to his “beloved diocese in Peru,” saying: “You have done so much to be a faithful church.” He described the Catholic Church as one that must be “synodal,” always moving forward and standing in solidarity with the suffering.
Reactions from Around the World
Global reactions to Pope Leo XIV’s election have poured in swiftly.
In the United States, President Donald Trump — called the election “a great honour for our country.” “What excitement,” Trump posted. “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV.”
Meanwhile, faithful in St. Peter’s Square erupted in applause and cheers as the announcement was made.
Many waved flags from around the world — from the United States and Peru to the Philippines and Poland — underscoring the universal nature of the Church and the symbolic weight of this moment.
A Historic Papacy Begins
Pope Leo XIV’s election is the third successive conclave to conclude on the second day of voting, continuing a recent trend of relatively swift consensus among cardinals.
His ascension also signals a turning point in the Church’s history — one in which the papacy, once dominated by Europeans for centuries, continues to reflect the broader geographic diversity of the faithful.
As Leo XIV prepares for formal inauguration ceremonies in the days ahead, the world will be watching closely to see how he steers the Church through complex spiritual, social, and geopolitical challenges.
For now, his message is one of continuity, compassion, and courage.
“We are here to walk together,” he said from the balcony. “To proclaim the Gospel, to be missionaries without fear. And above all, to love.”
