Cardinal Prevost Elected Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff
VATICAN CITY – A new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church began Thursday evening as white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native, has been chosen as Pope Leo XIV, succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.
The announcement marks a historic moment, as Pope Leo XIV becomes the 267th pope and the first pontiff born in the United States. His election follows a two-day papal conclave where 133 cardinal electors gathered to prayerfully discern and select the next leader of the Catholic Church.
A Life of Service and Missionary Work
Pope Leo XIV’s journey to the papacy is one marked by dedication to service and a deep commitment to missionary work. Throughout his career, he served primarily as a missionary in Peru, developing a strong connection to the South American country and holding dual citizenship.
His pastoral work in Peru reflects the Church’s global presence and its mission to serve communities in diverse cultural contexts. Pope Leo XIV’s experience in Peru is expected to bring a unique perspective to his leadership, informed by the challenges and opportunities facing the Church in the developing world.
First Address and Message of Unity
Following the announcement of his election, Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the thousands of cheering faithful gathered in the square. In his first address as pope, he conveyed a message of peace and unity.
"Peace be with you all," he said in fluent Italian. "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."
His words emphasized his commitment to continuing the Church’s mission of spreading the Gospel and working for justice and peace throughout the world. He expressed a desire to collaborate with the cardinals and the entire Church community, fostering a spirit of unity and shared purpose.
First Latin Mass
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate his first Latin Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 11:00 local time (2 p.m. EST). This traditional Mass will be a significant moment, symbolizing the continuity of the Church’s liturgical traditions.
The Mass will be broadcast live on Vatican News’ YouTube channel, allowing Catholics around the world to participate in this important event.
Background and Education
Robert Francis Prevost pursued his higher education at Villanova University and the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He later earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
His academic background demonstrates his commitment to intellectual rigor and his deep understanding of Church law. His studies in canon law will be valuable as he navigates the complex legal and administrative aspects of leading the Catholic Church.
Service in the Dicastery for Bishops and Pontifical Commission for Latin America
Prior to his election as pope, Cardinal Prevost served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops (formerly known as the Congregation for Bishops) and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since 2023.
In his role as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, he was responsible for overseeing the selection of new bishops around the world. This position gave him extensive knowledge of the Church’s leadership and the challenges facing dioceses in various regions. As president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, he focused on addressing the needs of the Church in Latin America, a region with a large Catholic population.
Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru
From 2015 to 2023, he served as the Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. This pastoral role allowed him to connect directly with the faithful and understand the challenges they face in their daily lives. His time as bishop provided him with practical experience in leading a diocese and serving the needs of his community.
His nearly four-decade stretch going back and forth between serving in Peru and Chicago, starting in 1985, highlights his dedication to both his home country and his missionary work in South America.
Looking Ahead
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new era for the Catholic Church. As the first American pontiff, he brings a unique perspective and set of experiences to the papacy. His commitment to missionary work, his dedication to justice and peace, and his desire for unity within the Church are expected to shape his leadership in the years to come. Catholics around the world look forward to his guidance and his vision for the future of the Church.
