In a moment that stunned the world and made history, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has officially been elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church – the first American to ever hold the role. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV, and his election marks a turning point not only for the Vatican, but for the global Church.
White smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025, signaling to the masses gathered in St. Peter’s Square that the cardinals had reached consensus. Minutes later, a visibly moved Pope Leo XIV appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and offered his first words to the world: “Peace be with you all.”
Leo XIV’s election followed a whirlwind conclave with 133 voting cardinals, each seeking a successor who could both honor the legacy of Pope Francis and bring fresh vision to the Church. In his first address, Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor, quoting Francis’ Easter message and declaring, “Evil will not prevail.”
The 69-year-old Pope hails from Chicago but has deep global roots. He served for years as a missionary in Peru, ultimately becoming bishop of Chiclayo. Fluent in Spanish and holding Peruvian citizenship, Leo XIV spent much of his ecclesiastical life working outside the U.S., a factor that likely helped sway voting cardinals historically hesitant to elect an American due to U.S. political influence.
His past roles also included leading the Vatican’s powerful Dicastery for Bishops, making him a key voice in shaping church leadership across continents. Vatican insiders describe him as calm, pragmatic, and reform-minded – someone who gets things done without wielding authority with a heavy hand.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV outlined a vision of unity, urging Catholics to become a “missionary church” rooted in dialogue, compassion, and service. “Let us build bridges,” he said. “Let us show charity and walk together.”
He also acknowledged his beloved Peru in Spanish, thanking the faithful there who accompanied him on his missionary journey and helped shape his spiritual path.
U.S. President Donald Trump quickly celebrated the election, calling it “a Great Honor for our Country.” Trump also expressed eagerness to meet with the new pope, calling the moment “very meaningful.”
From nuns cheering in Rome to pilgrims waving flags from across the globe, the response was electric. Francesca, a lawyer from Rome who rushed to the square after the white smoke, summed up the energy: “It’s great – this feeling to be here with a lot of people, religious and not. All the world is watching the balcony.”
The challenges awaiting Pope Leo XIV are enormous: addressing global inequality, reforming Vatican bureaucracy, and guiding a divided Church through the complexities of modern life. But for now, the moment is about hope – and history. The Catholic Church, for the first time, has an American shepherd. And the world is watching.
 becomes the first American pontiff in Catholic history, marking a historic moment for the Vatican.){kind=link}