In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the 267th Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. The 69-year-old Chicago-born cleric becomes the first American and the first member of the Augustinian Order in modern history to ascend to the papacy.

The announcement was made from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti, who proclaimed in Latin the traditional words:
“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!”
“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!”

A Papacy Rooted in Unity and Mission

Appearing before thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV began his first public address with a simple, heartfelt greeting:
“Peace be with all of you!”

He paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, saying, “We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us.”
In a call for solidarity, he urged the Church and world to move forward, “United and hand in hand with God.”

From Chicago to Chiclayo: A Global Journey

Born in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Robert Prevost was ordained a priest in 1982. Three years later, he moved to Peru as a missionary, working in Trujillo as a parish priest and seminary educator. He later became Bishop of Chiclayo, a role given to him by Pope Francis.

Prevost is admired in Peru for his dedication to social outreach and building bridges in diverse communities. He holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru and is often referred to as “Latin American at heart.”

In 2023, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the appointment of bishops worldwide. The same year, he was elevated to cardinal and archbishop, a meteoric rise that placed him in the global spotlight just ahead of the papal conclave.

A Continuation of Francis’ Reforms

Pope Leo XIV’s election is seen as a strong endorsement of continuity with the vision of Pope Francis. With 80% of the cardinal electors appointed by Francis, the choice of Prevost reflects a preference for a pastoral, reform-minded leader.

Known for his moderate and compassionate approach, Leo XIV has voiced support for migrants, the poor, and environmental stewardship. He previously shared posts critical of restrictive immigration policies and challenged political rhetoric misaligned with Gospel values.

Navigating a Church in Transition

The new pontiff steps into the role at a time of complex challenges: internal divisions, declining church attendance in the West, and calls for transparency and reform. Yet, his blend of American roots and Latin American experience positions him as a bridge-builder within a global Church.

The Vatican described him as the second pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis of Argentina, and the first American-born pope in the Church’s two-millennia history.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, he inherits not only the legacy of Francis but also the hopes of a Church seeking unity, renewal, and purpose in an increasingly fragmented world.