Historic! Robert Francis Prevost Elected As First US Pope

Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago, has been elected as the new Pope, marking an important moment in the history of the Catholic Church. As the first Pope from the United States, Robert Francis Prevost brings a unique perspective and experience to the role. He chose the Pope name as Leo XIV.

Newly-elected Pope Prevost has a long history of missionary work, particularly in Peru, where he served for over a decade. His experience in Peru has given him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the Church in Latin America and has shaped his approach to pastoral work.

After election, Pope Leo thanked all the cardinals for selecting him, and he spoke in Italian, Spanish and Latin. He also thanked his former diocese in the South American country, saying, “Where a loyal people has shared its faith and has given a lot.”

Pope Leo appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for 70 minutes after the white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, showing the 133 cardinals had chosen a new pope for the 1.4 billion members of the Catholic Church.

People were hugging and crying tears of joy in the square itself. While the previous crowd was seeking to see the good view of the Sistine Chapel chimney, they were getting close to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the Pope Francis gave his appearance.

The decision to choose Pope Prevost was announced by the French Cardinal Domique Mamberti with the Latin words “Habemus Papam” (We have a pope) to the thousands of people gathered at St. Peter’s Square to hear the good news.

Pope Leo is 69 years old and his native place is Chicago. He has spent most of his time for most of his career as a missionary in Peru and became a cardinal in 2023. Leo barely speaks in public and has given only a few interviews to the media.

He had become the 267th Catholic pope after Francis, who was the first Latin American pope and had led the church for almost 12 years, and he had tried widely to open the traditional institution to the modern world.

Pope Francis approved a range of reforms and allowed the debate on problematic issues such as women’s ordination and better inclusion of LGBT Catholics.

Prior to the conclave, some cardinals called for the continuation of Francis' vision of greater openness and reform, while other cardinals said they wanted to turn back the clock and embrace old traditions.

President Donald Trump praised Francis and expressed excitement to meet him. “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our  Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment !” Trump wrote on social media.

Brandon Johnson, the mayor of Pope Leo’s hometown of Chicago, expressed local pride and wrote, “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!”