In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected pope, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. The 69-year-old Chicago native, who has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, was chosen on the second day of the papal conclave following the death of Pope Francis at age 88.

The announcement came just after 6 p.m. local time in Vatican City, when white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney and church bells rang across St. Peter’s Square — a centuries-old signal that the conclave had reached a decision. A crowd of over 10,000 people erupted in applause as the new pontiff stepped out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, introduced to the world by the traditional proclamation: “Habemus Papam.”

The conclave, which began on May 7, was the largest in history with 133 cardinal electors participating. Previous rounds of voting had resulted in black smoke, indicating indecision. But by day two, the cardinals had coalesced around Prevost, a figure known for his pastoral work, linguistic versatility, and time spent serving in Peru.



A Life of Service and Global Perspective

Pope Leo XIV brings a deeply international and community-focused background to the papacy. Born on September 14, 1955, Prevost joined the Augustinian Order in 1977, a Catholic religious community emphasizing communal living and shared mission. He earned a mathematics degree from Villanova University before devoting decades of his life to missionary work in Latin America, particularly in Peru.

Multilingual and well-versed in theology and philosophy, Prevost served in various leadership roles within the Augustinian community, including terms as provincial leader in Chicago and as the global head of the order. His work has earned respect both for his administrative skill and commitment to social justice, though, like many in church leadership, he has faced scrutiny for his handling of abuse cases within the clergy.

A Papacy in a Time of Global Challenge

World leaders quickly extended congratulations. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called the election a moment of global significance. “Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion,” he said, expressing hopes for continued cooperation between the Vatican and the UN.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama, also from Chicago, celebrated the milestone as “a historic day,” noting the pride felt across the United States at Prevost’s elevation.

Pope Leo XIV inherits a church facing numerous challenges: declining membership in parts of the world, the ongoing reckoning with clerical abuse, and complex moral questions in a polarized global landscape. His predecessor, Pope Francis, was widely regarded for his progressive stances on climate change, poverty, and interfaith dialogue — legacies the new pontiff is expected to continue, albeit in his own way.

Digital Footprints and Political Commentary

Before his election, Cardinal Prevost had developed a modest but visible presence on social media, often sharing messages aligned with themes of justice and compassion. 


Several of his posts were critical of Trump-era immigration policies and political rhetoric, particularly around the treatment of migrants.

One shared article challenged statements by Senator JD Vance, emphasizing Christian values of inclusive love.

Despite these criticisms, both Donald Trump and JD Vance offered public congratulations. Trump posted on Truth Social, “What a Great Honor for our Country,” and said he looked forward to meeting the new pope.

A New Chapter for the Catholic Church

As Pope Leo XIV assumes the spiritual leadership of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, his background, values, and international experience signal a continuation of the Church’s engagement with modern issues while maintaining its deep traditions. Whether he will be a reformer, a bridge-builder, or a steady guide through turbulent times remains to be seen — but for now, his election marks a new chapter in the long and storied history of the papacy.

Would you like this formatted for print, online publication, or social media?