Vatican Announces Election of Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff
The Roman Catholic Church has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as its new leader, Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment as the first American to ascend to the papacy. The announcement came shortly after the traditional white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signaling to the world that a decision had been reached.
Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti officially proclaimed the election of Cardinal Prevost to the throngs of faithful Catholics who had gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Thousands of people had converged on the Vatican, eagerly awaiting news after the 133 voting cardinals spent approximately 24 hours in deliberation within the sacred walls of the Sistine Chapel. The conclave, a process steeped in centuries of tradition, culminated in the selection of Prevost, a 69-year-old Augustinian, to lead the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
Moments after the announcement, Pope Leo XIV emerged onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, a sight that captivated the global audience watching live broadcasts from around the world. He was adorned in the traditional red cape of the papacy, a garment that symbolizes the authority and responsibility of the office. Notably, his predecessor, Pope Francis, had chosen not to wear the cape after his own election in 2013, a gesture that reflected his desire for a more humble and less ostentatious papacy.
Pope Leo XIV’s first words as pontiff were delivered in Italian: "Peace be with you." He then addressed the gathered crowd and the world beyond with a message emphasizing the importance of "building bridges, peace, and dialogue without fear." His words resonated with the themes of unity and understanding that have been central to the Church’s mission in recent decades.
Switching to Spanish, Pope Leo XIV then spoke of his extensive experience as a missionary and later as the Archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru. His time in Peru clearly had a profound impact on him, shaping his perspective and informing his pastoral approach. It was notable that he chose to speak in Spanish, recognizing the large and growing population of Spanish-speaking Catholics around the world. He did not speak in English during his initial address.
The election of Pope Leo XIV follows the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on April 21 after a period of declining health. Pope Francis had led the Church since 2013 and was known for his progressive views, his focus on social justice, and his efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy.
Pope Leo XIV, who is considered to hold views similar to those of his predecessor, paid tribute to Pope Francis in his initial remarks. He acknowledged the legacy of Pope Francis and expressed his intention to continue the work that had been started.
In 2023, Pope Francis brought Prevost to the Vatican to serve as the head of the Dicastery for Bishops, the office responsible for vetting bishop nominations worldwide. This appointment placed Prevost in a position of considerable influence within the Church, giving him a prominent role in shaping the leadership of dioceses around the globe. As a result, he entered the conclave with a level of visibility and experience that few other cardinals possessed.
Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. While born in the United States, he is also a citizen of Peru, reflecting his long and deep connection to the country where he served as a missionary and archbishop. His dual citizenship underscores the increasingly global nature of the Catholic Church and its leadership.
He pursued his higher education at Villanova University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1977. Following his graduation, he embarked on a path of religious service, taking his solemn vows and studying theology at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago in 1982. His academic background in mathematics provides him with a unique perspective and analytical skills that may prove valuable in his role as pope.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church. His background as an American, his experience as a missionary in Peru, and his close ties to Pope Francis all suggest that he will bring a unique perspective to the papacy. The world will be watching closely to see how he leads the Church in the years to come, addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. His emphasis on peace, dialogue, and building bridges resonates with the hopes and aspirations of many Catholics around the world. The task before him is immense, but his election has inspired hope and renewed faith among the faithful.
