American Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected Pope Leo XIV, First U.S. Pontiff in Historic Conclave

VATICAN CITY — In a stunning turn of events, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American-born prelate, has been elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, marking the first time in its 2,000-year history that an American will lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. Prevost, who has taken the papal name Leo XIV, emerged as a surprise choice during the conclave that began on May 7, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The announcement came as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney on May 8, signaling the successful election of a new pontiff.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost’s journey to the papacy began in a South Side church bordering Dolton, where his faith took root. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he spent much of his early career as a missionary in Peru, where he became a naturalized citizen and served as a bishop in Chiclayo from 2014 to 2021. His extensive experience in Latin America, coupled with his leadership roles in the Vatican, including his current position as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, positioned him as a “dignified middle-of-the-road” candidate, according to Vatican observers.

The conclave, described as one of the most diverse in the Church’s history, saw 133 cardinal electors from 71 countries gather in the Sistine Chapel. Pope Francis had appointed over 80% of these cardinals, shaping a body that leaned toward his progressive vision of a more inclusive and global Church. Despite speculation favoring high-profile candidates like Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy or Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, Prevost’s name surfaced late as a “dark horse” contender, appealing to both reformers inspired by Francis and those seeking a return to traditional canonical order.

“Cardinal Prevost represents a bridge between continents and ideologies,” said Father James Martin, a papal contributor to ABC News, who noted Prevost’s emergence as a front-runner days before the conclave. “His work in Peru and his commitment to the marginalized echo Francis’ priorities, yet his expertise in canon law offers stability for those desiring structure.”

Prevost’s election as Pope Leo XIV, a name evoking the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who championed social justice in the 19th century, signals a pontificate that may balance pastoral outreach with administrative reform. His tenure in Peru was marked by a commitment to the poor and migrants, though he faced criticism over his handling of clergy abuse cases, a challenge that will likely follow him into the papacy.

The choice of an American pope is a historic milestone, given the United States’ significant Catholic population of over 61 million and its 10 voting cardinals, second only to Italy. However, some experts, like Bishop Robert Barron, had previously suggested that an American pontiff was unlikely due to geopolitical perceptions of U.S. influence. Prevost’s dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship and global experience may have mitigated such concerns, presenting him as a “churchman who transcends borders.”

As Pope Leo XIV prepares to address the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Catholics globally await his vision for a Church navigating polarization, declining membership in the West, and growth in Africa and Asia. “This is a moment of unity and surprise,” said Susan Timoney, a professor at the Catholic University of America. “The Holy Spirit has spoken, and the Church looks to a new chapter.”

Sources:

• Vatican News, May 8, 2025

• The New York Times, May 2-8, 2025

• Chicago Sun-Times, May 5, 2025

• CBS News, May 7, 2025

• ABC News, May 7, 2025

• CNN, May 8, 2025

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