Pope Leo XIV: First American Pontiff Elected To Lead The Catholic Church

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first American to hold the papal office.

He appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as Pope Leo XIV, addressing a global congregation of 1.4 billion Catholics.

With visible emotion, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd in St. Peter’s Square, saying, “Peace be with you all.” In his first public words, he paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, emphasizing the importance of his legacy before outlining his vision for the church.

“We have to seek together to be a missionary church. A church that builds bridges and dialogue,” he said in Italian, calling on Catholics worldwide to “show our charity” and engage in loving dialogue.

Prevost’s election came just two days after a conclave of 133 cardinals, shorter than typical voting timelines, suggesting he made a strong impression during the secretive process.

According to CNN, historically, papal elections often take longer, with previous popes like John Paul II being chosen on the third day.

The new pontiff, 69, hails from Chicago, Illinois, and has extensive international experience. He spent over a decade as a missionary in South America, notably in Peru, where he served in Trujillo and Chiclayo, and even acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015.

Most recently, he led the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the appointment of new bishops worldwide, and served as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

A member of the Augustinian order, Prevost has held leadership roles within the church for years. His background includes a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova University and theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He was ordained in 1982 and later studied canon law at the Pontifical Saint Thomas Aquinas University in Rome.

In his first interview as pope, Prevost emphasized his missionary calling: “My vocation, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is.”

The election of an American pope signals a new chapter for the church amid ongoing global challenges. Pope Francis, his predecessor, shifted focus toward social issues like poverty, migration, and environmental concerns, steering the church away from traditional debates over social doctrines. The question now is whether Pope Leo XIV will continue this trajectory or chart a different course.

He faces complex issues including internal church reforms, addressing the long-standing child sexual abuse scandals, and navigating a fraught geopolitical landscape marked by conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war and the Russia-Ukraine war. Prevost acknowledged the importance of transparency and accountability in tackling abuse, noting that “there is still much to learn.”

As the church prepares for a busy year—including the 2025 Jubilee—Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will be closely watched by Catholics and world leaders alike. His ability to balance tradition with reform, and his approach to global diplomacy and internal crises, will shape his papacy’s legacy.

(CNN’s Kara Fox contributed to this report)