Historic Moment: Robert Francis Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV

Sat Dec 13 2025 23:56:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

**Historic Moment: Robert Francis Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV**

Pope Leo XIV becomes the first American pontiff, signaling potential shifts within the Catholic Church.

**Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, has made history by being elected as the first pope from the United States. His election marks not only a new era for the papacy but also a potential reconnection for American Catholics and the global church.**

Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, taking the name Pope Leo XIV, and making history as the first American pope. Born in Chicago, Prevost's election has reignited discussions about the role of American influence in global Catholicism. As he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, his first words, “Peace be with you,” set a tone of hope and unity for 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

Pope Leo XIV's background includes two decades of service in Peru, where he served as a bishop before his elevation to a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023. His election comes just weeks after the passing of Pope Francis, during a conclave that saw over 133 cardinals gather to debate the church’s future direction amid ideological divides. Many viewed Leo XIV as a compromise candidate capable of bridging differing visions for the church, as he seeks to promote peace and unity.

His appearance elicited cheers in St. Peter's Square, where onlookers waved flags and celebrated the historic nature of his election. In Chicago, his hometown, local leaders expressed a mix of pride and aspiration for his papacy, heralding it as a significant moment in American Catholic history.

In his opening speech, the new pope reiterated his commitment to social justice and peace, emphasizing the need for dialogue and cooperation within the church and across borders. The reaction from global leaders has been overwhelmingly positive, with messages expressing hopes for peace and unity during challenging times.

As the first president of the United States, Joe Biden, a Catholic, shared his congratulations via social media, many express cautious optimism regarding what Leo XIV’s leadership will mean for the church amidst ongoing global crises, socio-political challenges, and diverse cultural expectations within modern Catholicism.

Pope Leo XIV's election sets the stage for a potentially transformative era that upholds the legacy of Pope Francis, while also navigating entrenched divisions within a fast-evolving world.