In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost OSA, a missionary and prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, has been elected as the 267th pope—becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy in the Church’s 2,000-year history. The 69-year-old cardinal has taken the papal name Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV is widely regarded as a balanced moderate, known for his sound judgment and deep capacity to listen. From his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he signaled a return to tradition by donning the formal papal robes, in contrast to his predecessor Pope Francis, suggesting a papacy that will blend reform with continuity.
In his first apostolic blessing, “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and to the world), delivered in Italian, Pope Leo XIV proclaimed:
“Peace be with you—the peace of the risen Christ, who comes from the God who loves all of us unconditionally… Evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Christ walks before us, and the world needs His light.”
He called on the faithful to support one another in unity and dialogue:
“We must build bridges together… become one simple people in peace. We must be a missionary Church together.”
The new pontiff expressed gratitude to his fellow cardinals and paid tribute to Pope Francis, with whom he shared a close relationship. At the conclusion of his blessing, he spoke in Spanish—one of several languages he is fluent in—offering heartfelt thanks to the many Peruvians who had traveled to Rome for the conclave.
A Missionary Rooted in Latin America
Born in Chicago, Cardinal Prevost joined the Order of St. Augustine (OSA) and was ordained in 1982. He was sent on mission to Peru in 1985, where he became deeply connected to the local faithful. He later served as Prior General of the Augustinians from 2001 to 2013, before Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru.
In 2023, he succeeded Cardinal Marc Ouellet as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, where he played a crucial role in vetting episcopal appointments and promoting a more pastoral Church leadership. Notably, he oversaw the removal of controversial U.S. Bishop Joseph Strickland.
Sources in Peru described Pope Leo XIV as a compassionate leader:
“He was very close to the faithful when he was in Peru,” one told The Tablet.
The Conclave: A Swift, Decisive Vote
White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:07 p.m. (Rome time) on Thursday, followed by the jubilant tolling of St. Peter’s Basilica’s bells. The announcement—“Habemus Papam!”—was made from the Loggia of Blessings by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti.
Tens of thousands erupted in cheers in St. Peter’s Square, waving flags and shouting, “Viva il Papa!” The new pope’s election was secured during the fourth ballot, with at least 89 votes from the 133 cardinals participating.
Before greeting the world, Pope Leo XIV paused to pray before the Blessed Sacrament in the Pauline Chapel—a moment echoing the spiritual transformation reportedly experienced by Pope Francis in the same space in 2013.
A Future Focused on Unity and Evangelization
From the outset, Pope Leo XIV has made clear his mission: a Church that is missionary, synodal, and close to those who suffer. His blend of pastoral sensitivity, global experience, and Vatican governance positions him to lead the Church into a new era of bridge-building and renewed evangelization.
