The first American pope was announced by the Vatican on Thursday. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope after the voting of the Catholic Church’s college of cardinals, making him the first American pope in history.
Habemus Papam! We have a Pope!
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025
The Cardinals gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope, who took the name Pope Leo XIV. pic.twitter.com/7COawsKvWu
Born in Chicago, Prevost, 69, expressed visible emotion as he addressed the crowd from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, greeting attendees with a message of peace.
He emphasized the significance of his greeting, referencing the resurrected Christ as the good shepherd who sacrifices for God.
Prevost has had a distinguished career within the Church, spending much of his priesthood in Peru.
He served as the Bishop of Chiclayo for eight years before being elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023. His role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops involved recommending priests for episcopal appointments globally.
While Prevost was not initially seen as a frontrunner for the papacy, he has been recognized for his strong adherence to Church doctrine, though he is regarded as a centrist on various political issues.
His election follows the recent passing of Pope Francis, who died shortly after Easter due to pneumonia.
Former President Donald Trump congratulated Prevost on his historic election, expressing excitement over his role as the first American pope and looking forward to meeting him.
Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 8, 2025
This story is developing…
[READ MORE: Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Trump on Transgender Military Ban]
