In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected the 267th pope, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. The 69-year-old Augustinian priest will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.
Prevost, born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, received the required two-thirds majority vote during the conclave, with the decisive ballot likely cast on the fourth round following earlier unsuccessful attempts. White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening, signaling his election and sending waves of excitement through the crowd gathered at St. Peter’s Square, where bells rang and chants of “Long live the pope!” echoed.
Shortly after the announcement by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance, greeting thousands of faithful in Italian.
“Peace be with all of you. Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected,” he said. “I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you.”
Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to the cardinals who elected him and offered special recognition to the Church of Rome. He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, affirming his desire to follow in the spirit of his leadership. Switching to Spanish, he thanked the people of Peru, where he once served as Bishop of Chiclayo.
“Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us, and help each other, build bridges,” he urged.
Pope Leo XIV brings a wealth of experience and global perspective to the role. Here are ten things to know about Pope Leo.
- Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was on Thursday, 8th of May 2025, elected the new Catholic Pope.
- He was born in Chicago, USA, on September 14, 1955.
- Prevost is a member of the Order of St. Augustine (OSA), and as well the first American pope.
- He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
- Cardinal Prevost began his religious journey as an Augustinian friar and was ordained a priest in 1982.
- He is fluent in Spanish and has close familiarity with Latin American realities, which have greatly shaped his ecclesial vision.
- In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru.
- In April 2023, he was called to Rome and appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a position of immense responsibility.
- In September 2023, Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of Cardinal, becoming one of the Holy Father’s closest collaborators in the governance of the Church.
- Known for his theological clarity, calm demeanor, and grounded spirituality, Cardinal Prevost also has a profound respect for tradition while remaining sensitive to the pastoral needs of the present day.
As the new spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, Pope Leo XIV’s election marks a significant chapter in the history of the Church—one grounded in hope, unity, and a renewed call for peace.