Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV, First American Pope in History

The Conclave and Election

The conclave to elect the successor to the late Pope Francis began on May 7, 2025, with 133 cardinal electors gathering in the Sistine Chapel. The process, steeped in centuries-old tradition, saw several rounds of voting. On May 7, the first vote produced black smoke, indicating no candidate had secured the required two-thirds majority. Two additional rounds on the morning of May 8 also resulted in black smoke. However, in the first afternoon vote on May 8, white smoke billowed from the chapel’s chimney, announcing the election of a new pope.

Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to proclaim, "Habemus papam" (We have a pope), introducing Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. The announcement drew cheers from tens of thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, with an estimated 150,000 people present by the time of the proclamation, according to Italian law enforcement.

Who Is Pope Leo XIV?

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, in 1956, is a 69-year-old member of the Augustinian order. His life has been marked by a deep commitment to missionary work and service to the Church, particularly in Latin America. He holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru, having become a Peruvian citizen in 2015.

Education and Early Career

Prevost’s academic journey began at Villanova University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics in 1977. He later obtained a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 1982, the same year he was ordained a priest. His education and early priesthood were grounded in the Augustinian tradition, emphasizing community and service.

Missionary Work and Leadership

Prevost spent much of his career in Peru, ministering from the 1980s and serving as a bishop in Chiclayo by 2014. He led the Chicago province of the Augustinian order and later served as prior general of the order for over a decade. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful Vatican office responsible for appointing bishops worldwide, and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

Described as moderate and pragmatic, Prevost is seen as a close ally of Pope Francis, with a reputation for being serious, dependable, and possessing a good sense of humor. Vatican journalist Andrea Gagliarducci noted his alignment with Francis’ vision, particularly on issues of poverty and marginalization.

Personal Life

Prevost’s family described him as “super smart” and “quiet,” with a lifelong dedication to the Church that seemed to destine him for the papacy. His brother, John Prevost, told CNN affiliate WBBM that he expects Leo XIV to be “a second Pope Francis,” focusing on the underprivileged and speaking his mind on global issues.

First Statements and Actions

In his first public appearance from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on May 8, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd with the traditional words, “peace be with you.” He paid tribute to Pope Francis, emphasizing unity and hope: “We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs his light. Humanity needs him like a bridge to reach God and his love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people, always in peace.” 

He concluded his address with a powerful message: “God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail.”

On May 9, Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass as pontiff with the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel. During his homily, he positioned himself as an advocate for the poor and ordinary people, stating, “I am here to serve the people, especially those who are marginalized and suffering.” He also remarked that a loss of religious faith had contributed to “appalling violations of human dignity,” signaling a focus on spiritual renewal.

Views and Expected Priorities

Pope Leo XIV’s priorities are expected to build on Pope Francis’ legacy, with a strong emphasis on social justice, poverty alleviation, climate issues, and service to the marginalized. In a 2023 statement, he expressed that ordaining women would not solve the Church’s challenges, instead advocating for a broader understanding of leadership and service. This stance may spark discussion among progressive Catholics, though his respect for women’s voices has been noted by colleagues.

His experience in Latin America and his role in the Dicastery for Bishops suggest a papacy attuned to global perspectives, particularly in regions where the Church is growing rapidly. Vatican News reported in 2023 that Prevost viewed the role of a bishop as that of a pastor, not a manager, indicating a pastoral approach to leadership.

Public and Global Reaction

The election of an American pope has captured global attention, with crowds swelling to 150,000 in St. Peter’s Square on May 8. Notably, singer Harry Styles was spotted among the onlookers, adding a pop culture dimension to the event.

Villanova University, Prevost’s alma mater, issued a statement celebrating the election: “As an Augustinian Catholic institution, we celebrate this significant day for our University community and the global Church”. Cardinal Wilton Gregory, archbishop emeritus of Washington, described Prevost’s engagement during the conclave as conversational and collaborative, noting his ability to connect during informal moments.

On X, discussions have ranged from excitement about the historic election to speculation about how an American pope might navigate relations with global leaders, including figures like Donald Trump. An X account under Prevost’s name, with over 232,000 followers, posted content critical of political figures on immigration, though its authenticity remains unverified.

Upcoming Events

Pope Leo XIV’s schedule is already filling up. Following his Mass with the cardinals on May 9, he is set to lead a prayer at noon on Sunday, May 11, from St. Peter’s Basilica. A media event is planned for May 12, offering further insight into his vision for the Church.

Significance of an American Pope

The election of Pope Leo XIV represents a significant shift for the Catholic Church, which has historically been led by Europeans. His American roots, combined with his extensive experience in Latin America, position him uniquely to bridge diverse perspectives within the global Church. Observers anticipate that his papacy will prioritize dialogue, inclusivity, and action on pressing issues like poverty and climate change.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, the world watches with anticipation to see how he will lead the Catholic Church into the future, building on the reforms of Pope Francis and addressing the challenges facing humanity in an increasingly complex world.