For the first time in its 2,000-year history, the Catholic Church has elected a pope from the United States. Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born missionary who spent much of his career in Peru, was chosen by the College of Cardinals to succeed Pope Francis. Taking the name Leo XIV, he steps into the role with deep experience both in missionary work and in the administration of the church’s global leadership.

In his first public appearance as pope, standing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo XIV greeted the world with a message of peace. Speaking in Italian and Spanish, he offered his first blessing, saying:

“Peace be with you all. Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, to all people everywhere, to all the earth: peace be with you.”

At 69, he also became the first pope in more than a decade to wear the traditional red papal cape, a garment set aside by his predecessor.

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Who is Robert Prevost?

Robert Prevost was born in Chicago but spent much of his adult life in Peru, where he worked as a missionary and later served as bishop of Chiclayo, a city in northern Peru. In 2023, Pope Francis brought Prevost to the Vatican to lead the Dicastery for Bishops, the office responsible for overseeing the nomination of bishops around the world. This position gave him significant influence within the church and visibility among his fellow cardinals.

Prevost is a member of the Order of St. Augustine, a religious community whose mission centers on living “in harmony, being of one mind and one heart on the way to God.” He is the seventh pope to come from this order.

Why the name Leo XIV?

By choosing the name Leo XIV, Prevost aligned himself with the legacy of Leo XIII, who served as pope from 1878 to 1903. Leo XIII (depicted above) is remembered for opening the Catholic Church to dialogue with modernity and for laying the groundwork for Catholic social teaching, particularly with his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum on workers’ rights. Some observers see Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name as a sign of commitment to addressing social issues and fostering a spirit of openness.

How was he elected?

Pope Leo XIV was elected during a conclave attended by 135 voting cardinals. As is tradition, the proceedings were conducted in secrecy, and no details of the individual ballots will be released. The election process involved multiple rounds of voting until a two-thirds majority was reached.

His election carries symbolic weight, marking a departure from an informal tradition that avoided choosing a pope from a country as globally influential as the United States. Prevost’s dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru, and his years of missionary service abroad, shaped a profile that may have eased concerns about political overtones.

Reactions from around the world

The election of the first American pope has drawn reactions from world leaders, religious figures, and dignitaries. Messages of congratulations have poured in from across Latin America, Europe, and the United States.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump offered his congratulations on Truth Social, writing:

“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

Other leaders praised Leo XIV’s background as a missionary and his work fostering dialogue in the global church, while Catholic organizations expressed hopes for continued focus on social issues and unity.

What’s next for the new pope?

According to the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Mass with the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel at 11 a.m. on Friday. On Sunday, he will deliver his first blessing at noon from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. On Monday, he plans to hold an audience with members of the media in the Vatican auditorium.

Leo XIV inherits a global church navigating internal divisions, including tensions between conservative and progressive Catholics, particularly in the United States. His prior work as head of the bishops’ office under Pope Francis included efforts to broaden participation in church leadership, such as approving the inclusion of women in key decision-making roles.

A personal connection to Peru

During his first appearance, Pope Leo XIV addressed a special message in Spanish to the people of Chiclayo, his former diocese in Peru. “Greetings… to all of you, and in particular, to my beloved diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, where a faithful people have accompanied their bishop, shared their faith,” he said.

Those who knew Prevost in Chiclayo described him as approachable and steady. The Rev. Fidel Purisaca Vigil recalled that Prevost would regularly share breakfast with his priests after morning prayers, maintaining good humor even amid challenges.

Looking ahead

As he begins his papacy, Pope Leo XIV brings with him decades of pastoral experience, administrative leadership, and a perspective shaped by both American and Latin American contexts. With his emphasis on peace, dialogue, and unity, he steps into a role that will require balancing tradition and reform while shepherding a diverse global church.