VATICAN CITY, May 9: In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the 267th Pope, taking the papal name Leo XIV. This landmark decision marks the first time a cardinal from the USA has ascended to the papacy, representing a significant milestone in the Church’s global history.
The announcement was made following the traditional signal of white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating that the 133 cardinal electors had reached the required two-thirds majority. St. Peter’s Square erupted in jubilation, with bells pealing from the basilica as the world learned of the new Pope.
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the senior cardinal deacon, stepped onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to declare the iconic phrase, “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”), officially introducing Cardinal Prevost as the new pontiff.
Inside the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV donned the white papal cassock and the Fisherman’s Ring, symbolizing his succession to Saint Peter. He then emerged on the Loggia of the Blessings to deliver his first apostolic blessing, the Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and the world”), addressing the faithful in St. Peter’s Square and millions watching across the globe.
Speaking in Italian, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd: “Peace be with all of you. Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you.”
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV has had a distinguished career in the Church. He was Prior General of the Augustinian Order from 2001 to 2013, and was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru in 2015. In 2023, he became Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. His years of pastoral service, missionary outreach in Peru, and administrative leadership have earned him wide respect.
The election of Pope Leo XIV is seen as a continuation of the Church’s efforts to reflect a broader, more inclusive global outlook, representing its diverse congregation across continents. His leadership is expected to merge pastoral compassion with administrative expertise, shaping the future direction of the Church.
Importantly, Leo XIV is the second consecutive Pope from the Americas, following the Argentinian-born Pope Francis.
