Pope Leo XIV Elected as First American Pontiff

The Catholic Church has a new pope, Robert Prevost, who has taken the name Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American pope and was elected after a conclave of 133 cardinals. Prevost, 69, was born in Chicago and previously worked as a missionary in Peru. He appeared on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, visibly moved, and delivered a speech in Italian and Spanish, emphasizing the need for unity and peace. The crowd in St Peter's Square was initially puzzled upon hearing his name, but warmed up to his message, which included a greeting of peace and a recitation of the Ave Maria. The new pope's election was seen as a significant moment, with many pilgrims and tourists gathering to witness the event and express their hopes for his papacy.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has begun his papacy, and observers are scrutinizing his early actions for clues about his leadership style. He has chosen more elaborate vestments than his predecessor, including a gold cross and embroidered stole, suggesting a return to tradition. The Pope's scripted homily in the Sistine Chapel also indicated a more traditional approach. Future events, such as his audience with the media and inaugural mass, will provide further insight into his priorities. The Pope's choice of accommodation, either the Apostolic Palace or the simpler Casa Santa Marta guesthouse, will also be significant. Meanwhile, fragments of his past life are emerging, with celebrations in his native Chicago and adopted homeland of Peru.

The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XVI will be formally installed as pontiff during a Mass on May 18 at St. Peter's Square, attended by political and religious leaders from around the world. The Mass will include the formal bestowal of the pallium, a symbol of the pope's universal jurisdiction. Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected on Thursday and chose his papal name, becoming the first U.S.-born pope. He will also preside over his first general audience on May 21.

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first address from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, speaking of peace, building bridges, and helping those who are suffering, echoing the themes of his predecessor Pope Francis. He thanked Pope Francis and the cardinals who chose him as the Successor of Peter, and emphasized the need for a synodal Church that walks together, seeks peace and charity, and is close to those who suffer. He also greeted his former diocese in Peru and called for prayer to Mary, asking for her intercession and love for the new mission and for peace in the world.

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pope in history, gave his first homily on Friday, saying he would be a "faithful administrator" of the Catholic Church and warning against reducing Jesus to a "charismatic leader or superman." On his first full day, he had lunch with U.S. cardinals and spoke to international media. His upcoming schedule includes leading a prayer from St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday, a news conference on Monday, and being formally installed at a Mass on May 18. He will also preside over his first General Audience on May 21.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, celebrated his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel, urging outreach and missionary work and warning that the Christian faith is being eroded. He stated that Jesus is often reduced to a "charismatic leader or superman" and that many Christians live in a "state of practical atheism." The pope emphasized the loss of faith has led to a crisis of humanity, citing a loss of meaning in life, neglect of mercy, and violations of human dignity. He is expected to focus on humanity and kindness, but his interaction with the Trump administration remains unclear due to divisions over issues like migrant treatment.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Villanova University graduate from the class of 1977, was elected as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American pope. Patrick Brennan, chair of Catholic Legal Studies at Villanova University, described it as a "super happy day" for Catholics. Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8, 2025, after four rounds of conclave voting by 133 members of the College of Cardinals. Brennan praised Prevost, saying he is a "wonderful priest" and a dedicated member of the Augustinian order. The new pope's choice of name is seen as a nod to Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903 and left a legacy of understanding the Catholic Church's place in the modern world.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, was elected as the new Pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Leo XIV. He is the first American to hold the position. Prevost was elected on the second day of the papal conclave's deliberations and made his first public appearance at the Vatican. He was previously the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a position he was appointed to by Pope Francis in January 2023. Prevost has a long history with the Catholic Church, having joined the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and serving in various roles in Peru and the United States. He was ordained as a priest in 1982 and later became an archbishop in Peru, where he also obtained citizenship in 2015.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV, after four ballots among 133 cardinal electors in a conclave. Despite not being a frontrunner initially, Prevost gained support after Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a leading contender, dropped out and endorsed him. Prevost's election was a surprise as he is the first North American pope and was considered an outsider due to his American background. He was able to draw support from various groups, including moderate US cardinals, South American cardinals, and European cardinals, due to his experience working with different cultures and his perceived ability to lead a more collegial papacy.

American cardinals described the recent papal conclave as relatively straightforward, with no apparent politicking, and expressed excitement over the new Pope Leo XIV's potential agenda. The cardinals, including Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, and Timothy M. Dolan of New York, suggested that Pope Leo's name choice may indicate a focus on workers' rights, social justice, and bridging divides, echoing the legacy of Pope Leo XIII's 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum. The new pope, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American pontiff and may continue the tradition of advocating for the working class. The cardinals presented him as a "citizen of the entire world" rather than solely an American representative, and downplayed the significance of his nationality in the election.