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

In a historic decision that has reverberated across the Catholic world, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Thursday as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Leo XIV. The 69-year-old Chicago native becomes the first American to lead the Church in its 2,000-year history, marking a significant shift in papal leadership following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.

White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney Thursday afternoon, signaling to the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square that the 133 cardinals sequestered in conclave had reached the required two-thirds majority needed to select a new pontiff, according to AP News.

From Chicago to the Vatican via Peru

While Prevost was born in Chicago and is the first American pope, much of his clerical career has been spent outside the United States. After earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova University and a diploma in theology from the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, he was ordained as a priest in 1982.

His missionary work soon took him to Peru, where he spent two decades serving in various capacities, including as bishop of Chiclayo. In 2015, he became a naturalized Peruvian citizen, giving him dual nationality. This international background may have helped overcome traditional reluctance to elect an American as pope, given concerns about the United States’ outsized global influence.

“For us, he’s the second Latin American pope,” Fernando Morales-de la Cruz, a Guatemalan human rights activist, told Reuters, highlighting Prevost’s deep connections to South America despite his U.S. origins.

Swift Selection Suggests Strong Consensus

The conclave lasted just over 24 hours, with Prevost reportedly selected on the fourth ballot. This relatively quick decision suggests strong support among the cardinal electors, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis. Of the 133 voting cardinals, 108 were appointed by the late pontiff, indicating a likely continuation of many of Francis’s priorities.

Unlike Francis or Benedict XVI when they were elected, Prevost was not entirely unfamiliar with Vatican operations. For the past two years, he has led the Dicastery for Bishops, the powerful Vatican office responsible for vetting bishop nominations worldwide. This experience may have given him valuable insights into the global church and helped build relationships with cardinal electors from various regions.

First Words as Pope Emphasize Peace and Mission

When Pope Leo XIV emerged on the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the faithful, he delivered his first message in Italian, Spanish, and Latin. “Peace be with all of you!” he said, establishing a theme of peace and dialogue that appears likely to characterize his papacy.

“We have to seek together to be a missionary church. A church that builds bridges and dialogue,” the new pontiff told the enthusiastic crowd. He paid tribute to his predecessor Pope Francis and called on people to “show our charity” to others “and be in dialogue with love,” according to CNN.

During his address, he specifically greeted the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, acknowledging the formative role his time there played in his development as a church leader. His choice of the name Leo is also significant, evoking Pope Leo I, known as “Leo the Great,” who served from 440 to 461 and was famous for persuading Attila the Hun not to attack Rome.

Theological and Political Positioning

While Leo XIV is often described as a centrist, observers note that his views align with Francis on many social issues, particularly regarding care for marginalized communities. He has embraced Francis’s emphasis on environmental stewardship and concern for the poor, though he holds more traditional positions on certain doctrinal matters.

His voting record in U.S. elections, obtained by CBS News, shows participation in both Republican and Democratic primaries over the years, further supporting the perception of him as ideologically moderate. He cast ballots in the 2016 and 2012 Republican presidential primaries, as well as in the 2008 and 2010 Democratic primaries.

The now-pope has occasionally shared posts about politics on social media in past years, including criticisms of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. His perspective as both an American and a long-term missionary in Peru is expected to inform his approach to global issues, including migration and economic inequality.

Global Reactions to Historic Selection

Leaders around the world have congratulated the new pontiff. U.S. President Donald Trump called the election a “great honor” for America and indicated he looks forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, said in a social media post: “I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church.”

Former U.S. presidents also weighed in. Joe Biden, a devout Catholic, posted: “Habemus papam — May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois. Jill and I congratulate him and wish him success.” George W. Bush called it “an historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America and for the faithful around the world.”

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte described the election as a “historic moment for Peru and the world” and noted that Prevost “chose to be one of us, to live among us, and to carry in his heart the faith, culture and dreams of this nation.”

Challenges Ahead for the New Pontiff

Pope Leo XIV inherits a church facing significant challenges, including declining attendance in traditional Catholic strongholds, ongoing sexual abuse crises, and internal tensions between progressive and traditional factions. His selection of the name Leo, invoking one of the Church’s most influential early popes, may signal a desire to strengthen the institutional church while remaining engaged with contemporary issues.

The new pope will also oversee the Church during 2025’s jubilee year, a special celebration announced by Pope John Paul II 25 years ago, which features an extensive schedule of Vatican-organized events. This timing gives Leo XIV an immediate platform to articulate his vision for the Church’s future while building on Francis’s legacy.