American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV

VATICAN CITY — For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago, has been elected the 267th pope and will reign under the name Leo XIV. The announcement came on Thursday, shortly after white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful conclusion of the conclave.

“Peace be with all of you!” were Leo XIV’s first public words as pope, delivered to an ecstatic crowd of tens of thousands gathered in Saint Peter’s Square. The new pontiff succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after leading the Church for more than a decade.

An Unthinkable Choice Realized

Prevost’s election marks a striking departure from long-standing Vatican tradition. Until now, the possibility of an American pope had been widely dismissed, mainly due to concerns over the United States’ global political influence. Vatican insiders often viewed such a choice as potentially problematic in terms of optics and diplomacy.

Yet the College of Cardinals made a bold statement in selecting a man from one of the most powerful nations on Earth. This unprecedented choice is not without controversy. Some Vatican observers and lay Catholics have voiced discomfort. Rebecca Tabiani, a New Jersey native living in Rome, said she was “disappointed” and believed the Church should have chosen someone from outside the U.S., especially in light of the current political climate.

Leo XIV: A Life Between Continents

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost grew up in the city’s South Side alongside his two older brothers. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and later studied at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. He joined the Augustinian Order in 1977 and pursued theological studies in Rome before spending years as a missionary and educator in Peru.

Prevost’s time in Latin America played a pivotal role in his ecclesiastical rise. He led the Diocese of Chiclayo and became vice president of the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference, gaining a reputation for his pragmatic leadership and ability to navigate ideological divisions within the Church. His work caught the attention of Pope Francis, who brought him to the Vatican to lead the influential Congregation for Bishops — the global Church’s personnel department. There, he oversaw episcopal appointments across continents, a position that significantly raised his profile among fellow cardinals.

The Pope of the People?

Leo XIV is widely described as diplomatic, grounded, and respected across the Church’s ideological spectrum. Observers expect him to continue his predecessor’s efforts to create a more inclusive and participatory Church. His leadership style reflects a blend of pastoral compassion and administrative competence.

Despite his elevated position, he has not been immune to public scrutiny. Past social media activity has surfaced, revealing mild criticism of figures like former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. While his comments were limited, they have already sparked mixed reactions, particularly among conservative commentators.

Nonetheless, many faithful — both in the U.S. and abroad — have responded to his election with joy and optimism. In Chicago, crowds gathered at Holy Name Cathedral to celebrate. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declared the moment “a win for the South Side.” The city’s sports teams joined the chorus of praise, although a humorous rivalry briefly erupted when it was revealed that Leo XIV supports the White Sox over the Cubs.

An Unforgettable Day for Many

While world leaders and Church officials absorbed the historic news, one group of sixth-grade students in suburban Chicago may remember the day more vividly than most. As part of a school field trip to Holy Name Cathedral, they learned of the new pope’s election during a lunch break — a timing that turned an ordinary school outing into a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

“I’ll tell this to my kids and my grandkids maybe when I’m older,” said 12-year-old Matthew Naglak, one of the students present.

Outside the Vatican, crowds included many women religious — nuns who followed the event with devotion and anticipation. Though not involved in the voting process, their presence served as a reminder of the quiet but vital role women continue to play in the Church’s spiritual and community life.

Reactions Across Borders

Reactions to the election of Pope Leo XIV have been as varied as the global Church itself. In Washington, politicians and Church leaders acknowledged the significance of the moment. Former President Barack Obama congratulated the pope, calling it “a historic day for the United States” and offering prayers for his spiritual mission. Representative Jesús “Chuy” Garcia praised Prevost’s compassionate views on immigration and social justice.

Meanwhile, sports fans in New York City seized on the coincidence that Leo XIV attended Villanova University — the same school that produced three starters for the New York Knicks. The Knicks’ improbable playoff victories this week sparked online jokes about divine intervention, with filmmaker Spike Lee calling the pope’s election “a holy blessing” for the team.

An American Pontificate Begins

From a small boy growing up in Chicago to a missionary in Peru, and now the Bishop of Rome, Leo XIV’s journey has defied expectations at every turn. He inherits a complex Church facing global challenges, internal reform debates, and increasing calls for transparency and inclusivity.

How he will lead, and how his American identity will shape his papacy, remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: with the election of Pope Leo XIV, the Catholic Church has entered a new and unprecedented era.