The Vatican elected the new Pope… Leo XIV the first American Pope

Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American, has become the new pope, taking the name Leo XIV.

Appearing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to the cheers of the crowds, Pope Leo XIV appeared, greeting the whole world.

After welcoming the crowd in the cathedral square, the new Pope called for building bridges through dialogue in the world, directing a call for peace to all peoples, calling for moving forward without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with one another.

The new Pope spoke in Italian before switching to Spanish, recalling his long years of service in Peru as a missionary and then as bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo.

The Catholic Church has announced that American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is the new pope. He has chosen Leo XIV as his papal name, making him the first pope from the United States.

Prevost, (69), moved to the Vatican in 2023 to take up the high-profile post of head of the worldwide office for bishop appointments, one of the most influential positions within the Catholic Church.

This role placed him in the spotlight ahead of the conclave, giving him a special presence compared to many other cardinals.

Although there is a long-standing traditional reservation against the election of a pope from the United States, given Washington’s geopolitical power globally, Prevost, who was born in Chicago, also holds Peruvian citizenship, having spent many years in Peru as a missionary and then as a bishop.

He was also twice elected Superior General of the Augustinian Order, the monastic order that traces its origins to Saint Augustine in the 13th century.

The late Pope Francis had noticed Prevost for years, having transferred him from the leadership of the order to Peru in 2014 to serve as Superintendent and later Archbishop of Chiclayo.

Prevost received Peruvian citizenship in 2015 and remained in this position until Pope Francis recalled him to Rome in 2023 to head the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, a region that is one of the world’s largest Catholic strongholds.

Although he has maintained a low media presence since arriving in Rome, Prevost has been a well-known and influential figure within decision-making circles, particularly after overseeing one of the most revolutionary reforms initiated by Pope Francis, when he added three women to the bishops’ selection committee, which submits the final nominations to the pope.

In early 2025, Pope Francis renewed his confidence in Prevost when he elevated him to the highest rank of cardinal, a clear indication that he was his preferred choice to succeed him.