Robert Prevost, 69, Becomes Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff in Catholic Church History
By Space Coast Daily // May 8, 2025
Born in Chicago, Villanova University Graduate
VATICAN CITY – In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope, taking the name Leo XIV and becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy.
The announcement came Thursday after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signaling that the conclave of 133 cardinals had reached a decision within roughly 24 hours of deliberation.
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the senior cardinal deacon, formally introduced Prevost to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Dressed in the traditional papal red mozzetta—a garment his predecessor Pope Francis had famously set aside—Prevost greeted the cheering crowds in St. Peter’s Square with the words, “Peace be with you,” delivered in Italian.
His inaugural address emphasized unity, peace, and dialogue, encouraging the faithful to build bridges “without fear.” He later spoke in Spanish, referencing his years of missionary service and leadership in Peru, but did not address the audience in English.
Prevost, 69, succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after a prolonged period of ill health. Closely aligned with Francis’ pastoral and theological vision, Leo XIV expressed gratitude for his predecessor’s legacy during his first public remarks.
Appointed in 2023 by Pope Francis as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Prevost played a key role in the global appointment of Catholic bishops—a position that significantly elevated his standing within the Church hierarchy ahead of the conclave.
Born in Chicago on September 14, 1955, Prevost is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru. He earned a mathematics degree from Villanova University in 1977, later entering religious life as an Augustinian. He studied theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and took his solemn vows in 1982.
As Leo XIV, Prevost brings a combination of American roots, Latin American pastoral experience, and Vatican leadership to a papacy that begins amid significant global challenges and hopes for renewal within the Church.
