Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope, succeeding the late Pope Francis and becoming the first American pope.
He assumed the name Leo XIV and appeared from the balcony of St. Peter’s Square to introduce himself, just more than an hour after white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel to signal his election.
The election of an American pope is a historical event that defies Catholic Church norms. The idea of an American pope has long been dismissed because cardinals typically select leaders from non-superpower nations.
The first words of Leo XIV, which Catholics closely follow, were “Peace be with you all.” He was visibly moved as he addressed the square and the world as the new Pope.
He also paid tribute to Francis, speaking in Italian, as he is expected to continue his predecessor’s direction for the church toward inclusion.
“Let us remember Pope Francis’ soft voice as he blesses Rome. The pope who blessed Rome blessed the entire world on Easter morning. Let me follow up on that blessing. God loves us. God loves everyone. “Evil will not triumph,” he said, according to the CNN translation.
Prevost, 69, is from Chicago and has primarily worked in Peru. He is an Augustinian friar who graduated from Villanova University in 1977.
He also spoke in Spanish from the balcony, referring to his work in Peru. Following his remarks, the new Pope waved to the cheering crowd for several minutes before entering St. Peter’s behind him.
In 2023, the pope appointed Prevost as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. According to the Catholic News Service, the role entails recommending bishop candidates to the pope and supervising a commission that studies the Catholic Church in Latin America.
Before Prevost appeared on the balcony, the Pontifical Swiss Guard formed a line on the square, while a crowd of spectators celebrated, cheered, and waved international flags. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced the new pope from the balcony.