Cardinal Robert Prevost, who will now officially go by the name of Pope Leo XIV, makes history by being the first Pope to be elected for the sacrosanct role of leading the Catholic Church.
"Peace be with you," he uttered on Thursday from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica as he graced jubilant crowds with his presence, and they loudly chanted "Leone" and "Leo" in unison.
The new pontiff's appearance marks the end of the enigmatic papal conclave, signified beforehand by the sweet chime of bells and white smoke issuing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, where 133 cardinal electors had been sequestered just two days ago.
Emphasising the importance of constructive peace and dialogue "without fear", he first spoke in Italian and then switched to Spanish, recalling that more than an American, he was an Augustinian priest, a bishop and a Christian above all, “so we can all walk together.”
The Chicago-born archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru, had been invited by his predecessor Francis to the Vatican in 2023 to lead the Dicastery for Bishops, an important office of the Holy See that helps nominate bishops around the globe and also investigates allegations of abuse or negligence against bishops.
Despite the long-term taboo against an American leading the Catholic Church, on account of the United States' geopolitical prowess, Pope Leo XIV, aged 69, has spent a significant chunk of his career in Peru, first as a missionary, and then as an archbishop, according to an AP report.
Prevost's experience as the two-time head of the Augustinian order—a 13th century order founded by St. Augustine of Hippo—till 2015, by which time he acquired a Peruvian citizenship, as well as his role as the head of the Dicastery for Bishops since 2023, could have therefore been the decisive factor for his victory.
US President Donald Trump congratulated Pope Leo XIV in a post on Truth Social.
“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!”
