Pope Leo XIV: Cardinal Robert Prevost Becomes First American Pontiff in Historic Vatican Election

By Dominica Bernhard

In a momentous decision that will shape the future of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement came just after 6 p.m. CET as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signalling the conclusion of the papal conclave and the election of a new pontiff.

Pope Leo XIV is the first American to ascend to the papacy, marking a historic milestone in the nearly 2,000-year history of the Roman Catholic Church. His election follows the death of Pope Francis earlier this year and reflects a significant shift in the Church’s global identity and priorities.

A Quiet Shepherd, Now Global Pastor

Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Prevost is a member of the Order of St. Augustine and served as a missionary in Peru for over a decade. Known for his humility, theological depth, and dedication to pastoral care, Prevost was most recently the prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops—a key leadership role overseeing the appointment of bishops worldwide.

Pope Leo XIV’s election comes after a relatively brief conclave, lasting just two days. Upon the traditional "Habemus Papam" declaration delivered from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti, the new pope appeared before the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square to deliver his first apostolic blessing, Urbi et Orbi.

A Papacy with Global Implications

While Pope Leo XIV’s American nationality is historic, Vatican insiders and analysts agree that his appeal among the College of Cardinals was based more on his international experience and reputation for reform than his passport. His years in Latin America and deep ties to both the Global South and North have made him a bridge-builder at a time of internal tensions and external challenges facing the Church.

In his first address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized unity, compassion, and renewal. “Let us be one people in faith, hope, and love,” he said in Italian. “The Church must be a refuge for the wounded, a home for the faithful, and a light to all nations.”

He is expected to continue some of Pope Francis’s progressive social priorities, including environmental stewardship and outreach to marginalized communities, while also navigating pressing internal issues such as clerical abuse reforms, declining vocations, and the modernization of Church governance.

Reactions from Around the World

Reactions to the announcement were swift. U.S. President Donald Trump issued a brief statement congratulating Pope Leo XIV, calling the election “a proud day for America and the Catholic world.” Catholic leaders in Latin America and Africa praised the new pope’s inclusive vision and global sensibility.

In his hometown of Chicago, parishioners at St. Rita’s—where Prevost once celebrated Mass—held spontaneous vigils and prayer services, expressing joy and surprise at the elevation of “Father Bob” to the highest office in the Catholic Church.

A Name Rich in History

By choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope invokes the legacy of past pontiffs who bore the name Leo, particularly Leo XIII, known for his influential 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum which laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching. The name suggests a possible focus on social justice, workers’ rights, and bridging the divides of a fractured world.

Looking Ahead

Pope Leo XIV now takes the reins of a Church with 1.4 billion members across the globe, navigating complex theological, political, and cultural terrain. His American background, coupled with international experience and a reputation for listening, may make him a uniquely positioned leader for this new chapter in the Church’s story.

As bells rang out across Vatican City and crowds chanted "Viva il Papa," the historic moment closed one chapter of papal history and opened another—led for the first time by a man from the United States, now known to the world as Pope Leo XIV.

Dominica Bernhard is a freelance writer for Veritas Expositae.  You can reach her at dominica.bernhard@veritasexpositae.com