Vatican elects first American pontiff following Pope Francis’s death

In a historic development for the Roman Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The 69-year-old Chicago-born cleric is the first American to lead the Church, marking a significant shift in Vatican tradition. His election came on Thursday, following the fourth ballot of the papal conclave, where at least two-thirds of the 133 cardinal electors cast their votes in his favor.

Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who died on April 21st at the age of 88. Francis’s papacy, which began in 2013, was known for prioritizing global outreach, institutional reform, and a focus on social justice. His death prompted a period of mourning and reflection, followed by a swift conclave to select a new spiritual leader for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.

Addressing more than 100,000 pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first blessing and message, calling for unity and peace. “Peace be with you all,” he said in Italian before switching to Spanish to speak to his former diocese in Peru. “Evil will not prevail. We are all in God’s hands. The world needs light, dialogue, and bridges of understanding.”

Prior to his election, Prevost was a cardinal appointed by Pope Francis in 2023. He previously served as head of the Augustinian order and held a prominent role in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, responsible for overseeing global bishop appointments. He spent over 20 years in Peru, where he served as bishop of Chiclayo and became a Peruvian citizen—a background many believe broadened his global perspective and appeal among electors.

Global reactions have been swift. U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Pope Leo XIV, while Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hopes for continued Vatican support amid conflict. Church leaders praised the new pope’s pastoral experience and moral clarity, noting his alignment with the reformist vision of Pope Francis.

Pope Leo XIV now steps into leadership at a time of major global and internal challenges, including conflict zones, climate issues, and the need to unify a diverse and often divided Catholic Church.