Robert Prevost Becomes First American Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV

The Roman Catholic Church has ushered in a historic new era with the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, Prevost becomes the first American to lead the Church in its more than 2,000-year history.

His election came during a conclave held in the Sistine Chapel, which began on May 7, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Pope Francis passed away due to a stroke that resulted in heart failure. After four rounds of voting, the white smoke emerged on the evening of May 8, signaling the successful selection of a new pope.

The announcement was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who declared, “Habemus Papam!” to the gathered faithful. Cardinal Prevost had secured the required two-thirds majority from the 133 voting cardinals, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis.

At age 69, Pope Leo XIV brings both pastoral and administrative experience to the papacy. A native of Chicago, Prevost spent years as a missionary in Peru, where he also holds citizenship. Most recently, he served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, making key decisions about Church leadership around the world.

Prevost’s election breaks centuries of European dominance in the papacy and reflects the increasingly global face of Catholicism. His dual American and Peruvian background may have helped bridge geographic and ideological divides among the electors. Despite concerns about an American pope, Prevost’s international experience appeared to calm such reservations.

As Pope Leo XIV steps into his new role, he inherits a Church facing both opportunity and challenge: growing influence in the Global South, internal debates on transparency, and declining numbers in traditionally strong regions like Europe. The coming years will reveal how this groundbreaking papacy shapes the future of Catholicism.