Cardinal Robert Frances Prevost, a Chicago native and Villanova University alumnus, has made history as the first American to be elected as the Pope. Adopting the name Pope Leo XIV, the 67-year-old’s election brings unprecedented visibility to the United States within the Holy See, a nation with an estimated 85 million Catholics.
Prevost’s election as the 267th pontiff was a surprise to many, as he surpassed perceived front-runners from Italy, Africa, and Southeast Asia, regions where the Catholic Church is experiencing rapid growth. His first words as Pope were “Peace be with you all,” delivered from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, before he bestowed his inaugural blessing upon the world.
The announcement of the new Pope was met with jubilant cheers and tears from the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square. As Pope Leo XIV emerged onto the balcony in his papal robes, the crowd erupted into applause, chanting his papal name, “Leo! Leo! Leo! Leo!” The scene was reminiscent of a soccer stadium rather than the seat of the Catholic Church.
Prevost, a mathematics graduate, has been leading the Vatican’s bishop vetting and appointment process since 2023, giving him a unique standing among the cardinals present for the conclave. During his tenure in Rome, he played a significant role in implementing many of Pope Francis’ progressive reforms, including allowing women to vote on bishop selections.
Prevost, who also holds Peruvian citizenship, spent a significant portion of his career in Peru. He was appointed to numerous leadership positions worldwide by Pope Francis, suggesting that the former Pope saw Prevost as a potential successor.
Known for his reserved demeanor, Prevost has a knack for making his presence felt among his peers and followers. His election was signaled by white smoke pouring from the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating that the College of Cardinals had chosen a successor to Pope Francis on the fourth round of voting.
The sight of the smoke triggered another wave of cheers from the crowd, many of whom rushed through the streets of Rome to reach the square before the announcement “Habemus Papam!” – Latin for “We have a pope!” – was declared from the basilica balcony.
Prevost’s election comes just over three weeks after the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 following a lengthy respiratory illness that culminated in a stroke and heart failure. The conclave’s decision was relatively quick, aligning with the trend of the last three popes being selected on the second day of the conclave.