Cardinal Robert elected as the new Pope: First American Pope in the church's 2000 year history

Cardinal Robert Prevost has etched his name into history as the first American to ascend to the papacy, choosing the name Leo XIV. The Chicago-born cleric, widely respected for his decades of missionary service in Peru, emerged as a prominent figure after being appointed in 2023 to head the Vatican department responsible for overseeing bishop appointments—a role of immense influence within the Church hierarchy.

Appearing before thousands from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, the 69-year-old pope greeted the faithful with the words, “Peace be with you,” signaling his commitment to peace, dialogue, and missionary outreach. Clad in the traditional red papal mozzetta—a garment Pope Francis had declined in 2013—Leo XIV delivered his inaugural message in Italian and Spanish, notably omitting English despite his American origins.

Who Is Pope Leo XIV?
Formerly Cardinal Prevost, he was brought to the Vatican by Pope Francis to lead one of the Church’s most critical offices. This high-profile position placed him among the frontrunners in the recent conclave, which saw 135 cardinals gather in strict secrecy to elect the next pontiff.

His Augustinian Roots
Pope Leo XIV hails from the Order of St. Augustine, a religious order focused on community living and spiritual unity. The Augustinian tradition has a strong papal legacy, with six previous popes also emerging from its ranks.

The Conclave Process
The newly elected pope was chosen through a closely guarded conclave. The cardinals were cut off from external communication throughout the voting process, and as tradition dictates, the final vote tallies remain undisclosed.

Pope Leo XIV's election not only marks a historic milestone for American Catholics but also represents a broader shift toward inclusivity and global representation within the Catholic Church’s leadership.