American Born Cardinal Robert Prevost elected new Pope
…World Leaders Welcome Francis Prevost As New Pope
…Eight facts about new pope
The Catholic Church has a new leader. Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American-born cleric and seasoned Vatican official, has been elected Pope, taking the name Leo XIV.
The announcement was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday following the traditional white smoke signaling the successful conclusion of the papal conclave.
Prevost, 69, becomes the first American-born Pope in the Church’s two-thousand-year history, marking a significant moment for Catholics in the United States and around the world.
He succeeds Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Order of St. Augustine and is widely respected for his quiet but firm leadership style, deep theological grounding and global pastoral experience.
In 2023, Prevost was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the selection and supervision of bishops around the world.
World Leaders Welcome Francis Prevost As New Pope
World leaders welcomed the election Thursday of Robert Francis Prevost as the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Prevost, who took the papal name Leo XIV, is the first pope from the United States.
Here are key reactions from world leaders since the emergence:
‘A Great Honor’: Trump
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country,” said US President Donald Trump. “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Become ‘leader for migrants’: Colombia
“I hope he becomes a great leader for migrant peoples around the world, and I hope he encourages our Latin American migrant brothers and sisters, humiliated today in the United States. It’s time for them to organize,” said Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
Stronger Vatican ties: Israel
“We look forward to enhancing the relationship between Israel and the Holy See, and strengthening the friendship between Jews and Christians in the Holy Land and around the world. May your papacy be one of building bridges and understanding between all faiths and peoples,” said Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
‘Christian values unite us ‘: Putin
“I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
‘Hope and guidance’: Germany
“Through your role, you provide hope and guidance to millions of believers around the world in these challenging times,” said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Strengthen ‘human rights’: Spain
“May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights in a world that needs hope and unity,” said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Reinforce ‘unique bonds’: Poland
“Please accept the assurance of the readiness of the Republic of Poland to further strengthen these unique bonds — in the name of shared values, responsibility for the common good and the strengthening of peace in the world,” said Polish President Andrzej Duda, a conservative Catholic.
‘Commitment to peace’: EU
“We wish that his pontificate be guided by wisdom and strength, as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue,” said European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.
Eight facts about new pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost
The 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide have at last got a new pope after cardinals elected Robert Francis Prevost on Thursday on the balcony above St Peter’s Square.
This has ushered in a new era for the church as Prevost becomes the first American to fill the position formerly led by late Pope Francis.
Here are eight facts about Cardinal Prevost, who will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.
First, the new pope has served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since 2023.
Secondly, he was born born in Chicago on September 14, 1955, and was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982.
Third, in 1998, Prevost was elected provincial of the Augustinian Province of Chicago and returned to the United States to assume that position on March 8, 1999.
Fourth, in 2001, Prevost was elected to a six-year term as Prior General of the Augustinians. Between 2013 and 2014, he was the director of formation in the Convent of St. Augustine in Chicago and provincial vicar of the province of Our Mother of Good Counsel.
More so, he was appointed apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo and titular bishop of Sufar in November, 2014.
Sixth, he was elevated prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops with the title archbishop-bishop emeritus of Chiclayo in January, 2023.
At the September 30 consistory, he was honoured as the cardinal-deacon of Santa Monica degli Agostiniani Church in Rome by late Pope Francis..
Seventh, Prevost was further elevated to cardinal-bishop on February 6, 2025, and his place of assignment was the Suburbicarian Diocese of Albano in the Province of Rome.
Also, Pope Francis elevated him as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a key position within the Roman Curia. He was to be part of those evaluating and recommending candidates for the episcopate around the globe
