U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost becomes new pope

Yes, it's true—Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. This historic event marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. The announcement was made on May 8, 2025, following a two-day conclave at the Vatican. 

Pope Leo XIV

Born in Chicago in 1955, Prevost is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine and holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru. He spent decades serving as a missionary and bishop in Peru before being appointed by Pope Francis in 2023 as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. 

In his first public address as pope, Leo XIV greeted the crowd with the words, “Peace be with all of you,” emphasizing unity, compassion, and social justice. His choice of the name Leo XIV is seen as a nod to Pope Leo XIII, known for his advocacy of workers' rights and social reform, suggesting that Pope Leo XIV may continue a focus on social issues within the Church. 

The election of an American pope has been met with surprise and excitement, particularly in Chicago, where locals compared the moment to the Cubs winning the World Series. World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, have extended their congratulations, expressing hope for strengthened relations between the United States and the Vatican. 

Pope Leo XIV's leadership comes at a time when the Catholic Church faces challenges such as declining congregations in Europe, financial instability, and the need for continued reforms. His extensive pastoral and administrative experience, along with his commitment to social justice, positions him to address these issues as he begins his papacy.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model