Cardinal Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV: A Historic First for the Catholic Church
VATICAN CITY — In a historic first for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the 268th pope, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, the 69-year-old Chicago native stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver his inaugural address, declaring, “Peace be with all of you!”
Prevost’s election, confirmed by the iconic white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel chimney, marked the end of a swift conclave that concluded on its second day, surprising many who had anticipated a longer process. The 133 voting cardinals reached a two-thirds majority, selecting Prevost as the new spiritual leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
The new pontiff’s first words as pope were a heartfelt message of peace and unity: “May this peace enter your hearts, reach your families, and touch all people, wherever they may be.” He delivered his remarks in Italian, Spanish, and Latin, reflecting his deep connections to the global Church, including his decades of missionary work in Peru, where he also holds citizenship.
Prevost, who served as the bishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru before his elevation to the Vatican, expressed gratitude to his former diocese, praising the “loyal people” of the South American country for their faith and resilience. His choice to speak to both his American and Peruvian roots underscored his diverse spiritual journey and global perspective.
The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in applause as the bells of the basilica tolled, celebrating the first North American pope. Some had gathered for hours, braving the Roman spring air to witness the historic moment. Onlookers cheered as Leo XIV addressed the faithful, blending his calls for peace with a nod to his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, who passed away just weeks before at the age of 88.
Pope Leo XIV’s choice of papal name draws a deliberate connection to Pope Leo XIII, known for his groundbreaking 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed the rights of workers and social justice. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni noted that the new pope intends to carry forward this legacy, addressing the modern world’s challenges, including economic inequality and technological disruption.
Reactions to the election poured in from around the world. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson celebrated the moment, writing, “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!” Meanwhile, newspapers in Peru highlighted the significance of the new pope’s dual citizenship, reflecting his deep ties to both North and South America.
Experts suggest that Pope Leo XIV, with his extensive experience in the Roman Curia and firsthand knowledge of global poverty, is well-positioned to bridge divides within the Church. His unique background, combining perspectives from both the affluent West and the developing Global South, marks him as a potentially unifying figure for a deeply polarized Catholic community.
Observers noted that while his attire—a traditional red cape draped over the simple white cassock—hinted at a return to some Vatican traditions, his words and actions suggest a commitment to peace, dialogue, and inclusivity. “He’s going to be his own man,” noted veteran Vatican analyst Phil Pullella, emphasizing that Leo XIV is unlikely to be defined by a single ideological camp.
As the Catholic Church enters this new chapter under Pope Leo XIV, the world watches closely to see how the first American pope will navigate the complex challenges facing the Church, balancing tradition with the demands of a rapidly changing global society.
