Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff
- Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Leo XIV, and was unveiled to the public at the Vatican on May 8, 2025.
- The election followed a two-day conclave beginning May 7, after Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, and involved 133 cardinals voting inside the Sistine Chapel.
- Born in Chicago in 1955, Prevost is the first pope from the United States, with a long history of missionary work and leadership roles in Peru, including serving as archbishop and prefect of a Vatican Dicastery.
- The announcement included the Latin phrase “Habemus Papam” meaning “we have a Pope,” and white smoke confirmed the two-thirds majority election shortly after 5pm BST on May 8.
- Leo XIV’s election marks a historical moment for the Catholic Church, suggesting some return to tradition amid global challenges and emphasizing dialogue, peace, and missionary outreach.
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