● Luca Benedetti – GMTNewsng Vatican Correspondent
In a historic development for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. The announcement was made on May 8, 2025, following the fourth ballot on the second day of the conclave. White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel at 6:07 p.m. local time, signaling the election of the new pope.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV has a rich heritage, with Italian, French, and Spanish roots. He holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru, reflecting his extensive missionary work in Latin America. His early ministry included serving as an Augustinian missionary in Peru, where he worked as a parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary teacher, and administrator from 1985 to 1998. He later became the Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023.
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a significant role that elevated his profile within the Vatican. His leadership in this position, along with his tenure as Prior General of the Augustinians from 2001 to 2013, showcased his administrative competence and commitment to the Church’s global mission.
Pope Leo XIV’s election is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’s legacy, emphasizing themes of love, dialogue, peace, and compassion. In his first address from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, he greeted the crowd with the words, “Peace be with you,” and spoke in Spanish to acknowledge his Peruvian ties, urging the Church to practice charity and unity.
The conclave that elected him was notable for its diversity, with 133 participating cardinals, 108 of whom were appointed by Pope Francis. This reflects the late pontiff’s efforts to broaden the Church’s global representation by including cardinals from Africa, South America, and Asia.
Pope Leo XIV’s papacy begins at a time of significant internal and external challenges for the Church, including addressing clerical sexual abuse, financial reform, evangelization, and the Church’s response to global conflicts, poverty, and migration. Observers anticipate that his experience and diplomatic approach will be instrumental in navigating these complex issues.
International leaders have extended their congratulations, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing enthusiasm over the election of the first American pope and looking forward to meeting him. GMTNewsng
