In a monumental moment for the Roman Catholic Church and global religious history, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been elected as the new pope the first American to ascend to the papacy. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV. The announcement came after the traditional white smoke billowed above the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the College of Cardinals had reached the necessary two-thirds majority to elect a new pontiff.
The 69-year-old former cardinal hails from Chicago and brings a wealth of international experience to the papal office. Much of his career has been spent in missionary work, particularly in South America. He notably served as bishop in the Peruvian city of Chiclayo and more recently held a senior position in the Vatican overseeing the appointment of bishops — one of the most influential roles in shaping the Church’s leadership worldwide. His election signals a continuation of the reform-minded legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
A Vision of Peace and Dialogue
Appearing on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to thunderous applause and cheers, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first public remarks as pontiff. In a humble and moving address, he emphasized the themes of peace, unity, and openness. Calling on the Church to be “a missionary church that builds bridges and seeks dialogue,” he spoke with conviction about the need for compassion and outreach in a divided world.
“We must be a Church that reaches out with love, engages in dialogue, and shows charity,” he declared. “Let us journey together with those who suffer, and be close to them.”
In an emotional moment, Leo XIV also paid heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, who had recently passed. “Let us never forget the gentle voice of Pope Francis that once blessed Rome and the world on Easter morning,” he said. “Allow me to follow up on that blessing. God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail.”
He began and concluded his message with the words: “Peace be with you all,” referencing the first greeting of the resurrected Christ. “This peace must live in our hearts and in our families,” he added, visibly moved by the historic moment.
Tribute to Peru and the Global Church
Pope Leo XIV, fluent in multiple languages, briefly switched from Italian to Spanish during his address to reach out personally to his former diocese in Peru, where he had served as a missionary and bishop. He expressed deep affection for the Peruvian faithful, calling them a people who “walked faithfully with their bishop and showed the light of the gospel through their lives.”
He referred to the Church he envisions as a “synodal” Church one that walks together in unity, listening and learning collectively, and always striving to be near to the marginalized and those in pain.
Support from the United States and President Trump
Back in the United States, former President Donald Trump reacted enthusiastically to the election of Pope Leo XIV, praising it as a moment of great national pride. “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope,” Trump stated. “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!”
Gratitude and Resolve
In closing his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV expressed his profound appreciation to the College of Cardinals for entrusting him with the sacred responsibility of succeeding St. Peter. “I thank my brother cardinals for choosing me to serve the universal Church. I pledge to walk with you in unity — always in pursuit of peace, justice, and truth.”
With tears in his eyes and his voice full of humility, Pope Leo XIV stood before the crowd as a symbol of a Church entering a new chapter one that aspires to continue building bridges, healing wounds, and spreading the light of the gospel across the world.
