On May 8, 2025, after a brief conclave, Cardinal Robert Prevost was selected as the 267th pope. This marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, as Prevost becomes the first American pope in history.

The conclave, which convened in the Sistine Chapel, ended with white smoke emerging from the building, signaling that the cardinals had reached a consensus.

Vatican officials confirmed the election shortly afterward, and Prevost accepted the position of pope.

The Vatican has officially confirmed that Cardinal Robert Prevost is the new pope, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV.

Robert Prevost becomes the first American Pope in history

On May 8, 2025, after a brief conclave, Cardinal Robert Prevost was selected as the 267th pope. This marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, as Prevost becomes the first American pope in history.

 

The conclave, which convened in the Sistine Chapel, ended with white smoke emerging from the building, signaling that the cardinals had reached a consensus. Vatican officials confirmed the election shortly afterward, and Prevost accepted the position of pope.

Who is Robert Prevost? A Journey from Illinois to the Vatican

Cardinal Robert Prevost was born near Dolton, Illinois, in 1956. At 69 years old, he is considered relatively young for a pope.

He was ordained as a priest in 1982 and spent much of his early life in Peru during the 1980s and 1990s.

 

He became a naturalized citizen of Peru, where he served in various clerical roles, including parish priest, diocesan official, and seminary teacher.

Prevost earned a doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. His extensive experience in Peru and his fluency in both Spanish and Italian made him an ideal candidate for leadership within the Vatican.

As a close ally of Pope Francis, Prevost was appointed to influential positions within the Vatican.

In 2020, he was named apostolic administrator of the diocese of Callao, Peru. In 2023, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing episcopal appointments globally.

These roles cemented his status as a leading figure within the Church.

 

Pope Leo XIV: A Centrist Leader with a Focus on Humility and Service

He is now known, comes from a more centrist theological stance, compared to his predecessor, Pope Francis.

Pope Francis was known for his progressive outlook. Pope Leo XIV represents the “dignified middle of the road.”

His papal name is significant. Pope Leo XIII, a major figure in Catholic social justice, served from 1878 to 1903 and inspired generations of social activists.

Pope Leo XIV’s name pays homage to this legacy, suggesting a commitment to social justice and humility in his papacy.

In his first speech, Pope Leo XIV addressed the crowds at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, offering a message of peace: “Peace be with you.” His words reflect his commitment to unity and healing in a divided world.

Cafod, an international development charity, praised Pope Leo XIV for his “wisdom”. And  his dedication to elevating voices from the global south.

His experiences as a missionary in Peru are expected to influence his papacy, bringing a vital perspective from the margins of society into the Vatican.

 

A Pope Committed to Humility and Serving the Vulnerable

In a statement to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the nature of his calling. He emphasized that “the bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom, but rather called authentically to be humble, to be close to the people he serves, to walk with them, to suffer with them.

Additionally, this focus on humility and service to the vulnerable will likely define his leadership.