Cardinal Prevost of Chicago Elected Pope Leo XIV, First from U.S. or Peru

The Catholic Church has a new leader. Cardinal Robert Prevost, hailing from Chicago and possessing both U.S. and Peruvian citizenship, was elected as the next Pope. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first pontiff from either the United States or Peru.

The momentous occasion was signaled by the billowing white smoke emerging from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. This indicated that the 133 cardinal electors had successfully chosen a successor to lead the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening, local time, to address the world for the first time as the leader of the Catholic faith. The crowd erupted in cheers as he greeted them in fluent Italian. He also spoke briefly in Spanish, acknowledging his connection to Peru, but refrained from speaking in English during his initial address.

Pope Leo XIV’s First Address: A Message of Peace and Unity

Following the historic election, Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural speech from the Vatican balcony. His words, translated by Reuters, offered a message of peace, unity, and a continuation of the path set by his predecessor, Pope Francis.

"Peace be with all of you!" he began, echoing the traditional greeting of the Risen Christ. "Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for God’s flock. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your heart, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth. Peace be with you!"

The Pope emphasized the importance of peace, describing it as "an unarmed and disarming peace, humble and persevering." He attributed this peace to God, whom he described as loving unconditionally.

He acknowledged the legacy of Pope Francis, referring to his "weak but always courageous voice" and his Easter blessing to Rome, which the Pope extended to the entire world.

"God cares for us, God loves all of us, and evil will not prevail!" Pope Leo XIV declared, offering a message of hope and resilience. "We are all in God’s hands. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward."

A Call to Discipleship and Bridge-Building

Pope Leo XIV emphasized the role of Christians as disciples of Christ, urging them to embrace His light and recognize His importance as a bridge to God and His love.

"We are disciples of Christ. Christ goes before us. The world needs His light. Humanity needs Him as the bridge to reach God and His love. Help us too, then help each other to build bridges – with dialogue, with encounter, uniting all of us to be one people always in peace."

He expressed gratitude to Pope Francis and to the cardinals who elected him, committing to walk with them as a united Church. "Thank you, Pope Francis! I also want to thank all the fellow cardinals who chose me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk with you, as a united Church always seeking peace, justice – always trying to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ, without fear, to proclaim the Gospel, to be missionaries."

Drawing upon his Augustinian heritage, Pope Leo XIV quoted Saint Augustine, stating, "With you I am a Christian and for you a bishop." He envisioned a shared journey towards the divine homeland, urging the Church of Rome to be a missionary Church, one that builds bridges through dialogue and welcomes all, particularly those in need.

Acknowledging Roots and Embracing Synodality

In Spanish, Pope Leo XIV addressed his "beloved diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru," expressing gratitude for their faith and support. He then switched back to Italian to emphasize his vision for the Church.

"To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close especially to those who suffer."

He concluded his address by invoking Our Lady of Pompeii, emphasizing Mary’s role in walking with and assisting the faithful. He led the crowd in prayer for his new mission, for the Church, and for peace in the world.

A Historic Papacy Begins

The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church, bringing a leader with a unique background and a clear vision for the future. His initial address resonated with themes of peace, unity, and continuity with the legacy of Pope Francis. As the first Pope from either the United States or Peru, his papacy promises to bring a new perspective and approach to the challenges and opportunities facing the global Catholic community. The world watches with anticipation as Pope Leo XIV embarks on his journey as the leader of the Catholic Church.