Robert Prevost Becomes First American Pope, Leo XIV

For the first time in the two-millennia history of the Roman Catholic Church, an American has ascended to the papacy. Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old prelate originally from Chicago, was elected pope on the second day of the conclave and has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV.

Appearing before thousands of faithful from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the new pontiff offered a message both solemn and intimate: “Peace be with all of you.” He called for that peace to “enter your hearts, reach your families, and all people, wherever they are.”

Addressing the global Church in Italian, Spanish, and Latin, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep gratitude to the cardinals who entrusted him with the leadership of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. He paid special tribute to the people of Peru, where he spent many years as a missionary and bishop, praising their resilience and devotion: “A loyal people has shared its faith and given a lot,” he said.

The late Pope Francis, under whose papacy Prevost served and rose in the Church hierarchy, was remembered with warmth before the new pope led the crowd in a collective prayer.

The world learned of his election in traditional fashion, as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel — a signal that the conclave of 133 cardinals had reached a decision. Cheers erupted across St. Peter’s Square, where thousands had been watching intently via massive screens, and the basilica’s bells rang out to confirm the joyous news.

Although several other names had circulated as frontrunners, Prevost’s election came as a surprise to many Church observers. His rise marks a significant moment in the global nature of Catholicism, further emphasizing the Church’s reach beyond its European roots.

U.S. President Donald Trump was among the first to respond publicly, offering congratulations on social media: “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.”

As Rome’s streets filled with celebration, particularly along the Via della Conciliazione, the city embraced the weight of history and the fresh hope embodied in a new spiritual leader — one carrying both an American passport and a global mission.

Read also: Cardinals Launch Papal Selection With Ancient Rites

Following the successful conclusion of the secret ballot, the solemn rituals of transition began. The most senior cardinal approached the pope-elect and asked the historic question: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” With his affirmation, the moment became irrevocable.

Next came the question that would mark the beginning of a new chapter in Church history: “By what name shall you be called?” Upon receiving his chosen papal name, the cardinal electors—moved by reverence and tradition—stepped forward one by one to offer homage, pledging their obedience to the newly anointed leader of the Catholic Church.

The pope-elect was then led to the “Room of Tears,” a sacristy adjacent to the Sistine Chapel, where he was dressed in the white vestments reserved for the successor of St. Peter.

Moments later, a senior cardinal appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the iconic Latin declaration to the gathered masses: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” — “I bring you tidings of great joy: We have a pope!”

As the words echoed across the square, the new pope stepped forward, arms outstretched, and offered his first apostolic blessing to the world — a symbolic gesture of unity, renewal, and hope for Catholics across the globe.

Africa Today News, New York