Cardinal from Chicago becomes Pope Leo XIV: a historic first for the Catholic Church
Pranjal Chandra | May 08, 2025, 23:30 IST
( Image credit : AP )
In a historic move, the Catholic Church has chosen its first American Pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago is now Pope Leo XIV. He succeeds Pope Francis after his death. Pope Leo XIV's background includes missionary work in Peru and Vatican administration. His election signifies a global shift within the Church. He addressed the world, calling for peace.
In a historic and surprising move, the Catholic Church has elected its first American-born pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old originally from Chicago, will now lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics under the name Pope Leo XIV.
His election marks a pivotal moment in Church history, symbolizing not only the growing global diversity of Catholic leadership but also a shift in how the Vatican views American influence within the Church.
Though born and raised in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is widely regarded as a global citizen. He spent decades in Peru, first as a missionary, then as bishop of Chiclayo, and most recently as head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops a role that placed him at the heart of global episcopal appointments.
He holds three passports: American, Peruvian, and Vatican City State, highlighting a career that has spanned continents and cultures. His background as a leader of the Augustinian order and as a pastor in Latin America makes him a bridge between the Global North and South a priority for a Church whose demographics are increasingly centered in the Southern Hemisphere.
Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday night, greeted by thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. He offered a simple and resonant message: “Peace be with all you.”
In a nod to his deep ties to Peru, he thanked the people of Chiclayo, the northern Peruvian city where he served as bishop for over a decade. The crowd, already jubilant after the iconic “Habemus Papam” declaration by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, erupted into cheers and applause.
White smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel just moments earlier had already signaled to the world that the cardinals had reached a consensus. The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out, confirming the election of a new pope after days of deliberation.
A historic vote following
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. The 133 cardinal electors were locked in the conclave inside the Sistine Chapel until they reached the required two-thirds majority. Despite speculation that the papacy might return to Africa or Asia, the College of Cardinals selected a figure whose leadership is as international as it is American.
Observers believe his election reflects a desire for continuity in progressive pastoral leadership, combined with administrative clarity. Pope Leo XIV's role in overseeing global bishop appointments under Francis gave him insight into the Church’s challenges at the grassroots level.
Reactions to the new pope’s election have been swift. Among them, former U.S. President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social:
While the Vatican has traditionally kept some distance from overt associations with global powers like the United States, Leo XIV’s life story helps soften potential concerns. He is seen by Vatican analysts as someone who embodies universality rooted in America, seasoned in Latin America, and trusted within the Vatican.
With a Church navigating global crises, synodality, and evolving cultural dynamics, Pope Leo XIV steps into the role with high expectations. His global resume, pastoral tone, and administrative experience suggest a leader poised to unify and renew.
The world now watches as Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy — a new chapter not only for American Catholics, but for the Church at large.
His election marks a pivotal moment in Church history, symbolizing not only the growing global diversity of Catholic leadership but also a shift in how the Vatican views American influence within the Church.
A global cleric with American roots
He holds three passports: American, Peruvian, and Vatican City State, highlighting a career that has spanned continents and cultures. His background as a leader of the Augustinian order and as a pastor in Latin America makes him a bridge between the Global North and South a priority for a Church whose demographics are increasingly centered in the Southern Hemisphere.
“Peace be with all you”
In a nod to his deep ties to Peru, he thanked the people of Chiclayo, the northern Peruvian city where he served as bishop for over a decade. The crowd, already jubilant after the iconic “Habemus Papam” declaration by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, erupted into cheers and applause.
White smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel just moments earlier had already signaled to the world that the cardinals had reached a consensus. The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out, confirming the election of a new pope after days of deliberation.
A historic vote following Pope Francis ’s death
Observers believe his election reflects a desire for continuity in progressive pastoral leadership, combined with administrative clarity. Pope Leo XIV's role in overseeing global bishop appointments under Francis gave him insight into the Church’s challenges at the grassroots level.
Global reactions pour in
While the Vatican has traditionally kept some distance from overt associations with global powers like the United States, Leo XIV’s life story helps soften potential concerns. He is seen by Vatican analysts as someone who embodies universality rooted in America, seasoned in Latin America, and trusted within the Vatican.
A new chapter for the Church
The world now watches as Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy — a new chapter not only for American Catholics, but for the Church at large.