In a moment that etched itself into history, the Catholic Church has elected its first-ever American Pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a missionary-turned-archbishop from Chicago with deep roots in Latin America, has been chosen as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He will now be known to the world as Pope Leo XIV.
As the announcement echoed through the hallowed corridors of the Vatican, tens of thousands erupted in jubilation at St. Peter’s Square. And when the new Pope emerged on the balcony, waving and smiling under the ancient words Habemus Papam, the atmosphere turned electric.
Prevost’s ascension to the papacy is more than symbolic. It represents a shift in the global face of Catholicism—one that increasingly reflects the interconnectedness of cultures, languages, and continents.
From Chicago to the Chair of St. Peter
Born in 1955 in Chicago, Robert Prevost grew up in a devout Catholic family, served as an altar boy, and was ordained a priest in 1982. His spiritual journey soon took a global turn when, in 1985, he left for Peru as a missionary. There, among the remote and often impoverished communities, Prevost became known not for grandiosity, but for humility and service. Years later, he would be made Archbishop of Chiclayo, remembered fondly for building bridges between the Church and the marginalized.
Though American by birth, Prevost holds Peruvian nationality and has been widely embraced as a son of Latin America. His unique background—rooted in American culture yet deeply immersed in the challenges and faith of the Global South—makes him a natural reformer for a Church navigating the complexities of the 21st century.
A Message of Peace and Unity
Delivering his first address in fluent Italian and switching seamlessly to Spanish, Pope Leo XIV radiated warmth and humility. “I would like this greeting of peace to reach all your hearts and families… and people around the world. May peace be with you,” he said to the quiet crowd, whose reverence was punctuated by bursts of applause, especially when he invoked the name of the late Pope Francis and the need for global unity.
The Pope’s call for prayer culminated in the Ave Maria, with voices from all over the square joining in—some singing in their native tongues, others whispering reverently.
A Conclave of Global Dimensions
Prevost’s election followed an intense conclave that began on Wednesday, May 7. In total, 133 cardinals from around the world participated in the closely guarded voting process. Behind closed doors, amid chants and centuries-old rituals, the path was paved for a new shepherd of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
Observers had speculated on a possible Latin American successor, but few predicted that the choice would reflect both the Americas in such a singular way—a Chicago-born cardinal whose soul, many say, belongs to Peru.
Global Reactions Pour In
Among the first to respond was former U.S. President Donald Trump, who posted his congratulations on his Truth Social platform: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.”
Other world leaders are expected to extend their greetings in the coming days as the Vatican prepares for formal inaugural ceremonies.
Many see Pope Leo XIV as a spiritual heir to Pope Francis, with a focus on social justice, interfaith dialogue, and reform within the Church. His experience in Latin America, where he confronted poverty, cultural divides, and political unrest, will likely inform his leadership in Rome.
But perhaps the greatest symbolism lies in his name, Leo XIV, a nod to strength, peace, and historical continuity. It’s a papal title that signals both reverence for tradition and a readiness to chart new territory.
He will be seen as a figure who favoured the continuity of Francis’ reforms in the Catholic Church.
Prevost is believed to have shared Francis’ views on migrants, the poor and the environment.
As cardinal, he has not shied away from challenging the views of US Vice-President JD Vance.
As he begins this new chapter, Pope Leo XIV carries the hopes of a billion faithful—and the legacy of a journey that began in a modest parish in Chicago and now extends to the heart of the Catholic Church.
