US EditionThe First Pope From America
- On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American-born prelate, was elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
- His election followed Pope Francis' death and reflects the Church’s increasing universality, as Prevost previously served over 20 years in Peru and holds dual citizenship.
- Pope Leo XIV chose his name to evoke Pope Leo XIII’s legacy, who advanced Catholic social teaching during the Industrial Revolution, signaling a focus on social issues and technology.
- Prevost maintains a U.S. Citizenship and Illinois residency, which, according to election officials and tax experts, allow him to vote and potentially require annual U.S. Tax filings despite his papal role.
- His election suggests continuity with past popes’ pastoral and theological priorities while highlighting potential challenges around citizenship, public expectations, and the Church’s 21st-century direction.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Christ at the center
How striking it was to hear the first words of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate. They surprised, in no small part of course, because the world had never heard before from a pontiff born in the United States. But even more significantly, the first words he spoke as pope were not his own. Stepping out onto
Louisville's Archbishop Shelton Fabre discusses the importance of an American-born pope
Cathedral of the Assumption Catholic churchLPM's Bill Burton spoke with Archbishop Shelton Fabre now that the Catholic Church has named a new pope.Bill Burton: Cardinal Robert Prevost was the first American to be named pope, and he's taken the name of Leo XIV and to talk about the impact of an American pope on the world, and here in Louisville, I am joined by Archbishop Shelton Fabre. Archbishop, welcome. Archbishop Shelton Fabre(Archdiocese of …
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