Pope Leo XIV: U.S. Native Elected as First American Pontiff in Church History

At the 267th papal conclave held on Thursday, 133 cardinal electors chose Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, from Chicago, United States, as the new pope.

After four rounds of secret voting over two days, his election was confirmed. He selected the papal name Leo XIV. The name Leo, which means lion in Latin, symbolizes strength and courageous leadership, encapsulating his papal vision.

Pastoral Ministry Forged on the Margins

In 1955, Pope Leo XIV was ordained a priest in 1982 and has since served as a member of the Order of St. Augustine.

He devoted more than 20 years to missionary work in impoverished areas of Peru, listening closely to the voices of the suffering. In 2015, he acquired Peruvian citizenship and was appointed Archbishop of Peru. Though a U.S. citizen, analysts say his extensive pastoral experience in marginalized regions was a key factor that impressed the conclave.

Leading Vatican Reform Initiatives

Appointed in 2023 by Pope Francis as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Leo XIV led a reform that, for the first time, included three women in selecting new bishops.

The Dicastery for Bishops is a core Vatican office responsible for the appointment and oversight of bishops. His demonstrated sense of balance has raised expectations that he will act with wisdom and moderation between conservative and progressive factions within the Church.

Multilingualism Symbolizing Church Unity

Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French, Pope Leo XIV greeted the public from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican immediately after his election, saying in Italian, “La pace sia con tutti voi” (Peace be with you all).

He then delivered the same message in Spanish, followed by the traditional Latin blessing Urbi et Orbi (To the City of Rome and the entire world).

The new pope was elected just 17 days after Pope Francis’s death on April 21. The official inauguration ceremony will be held soon. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social, calling the election of the first American pope a true honor and expressing his hope to meet Pope Leo XIV in person.