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Thursday, May 8, 2025

Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as First American Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV

 


Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, making history as the first American to assume the papacy.  At 69 years old, he has chosen the papal name Leo XIV.  His election was confirmed on May 8, 2025, following the appearance of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, signaling a two-thirds majority among the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave  .


Born in Chicago to a family of Italian, French, and Spanish descent, Cardinal Prevost has spent much of his life in Latin America and Europe.  He joined the Augustinian Order in 1977 and served in Peru from 1985 to 1999.  After leading the Augustinian order globally, he was appointed bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014.  In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, the Vatican office responsible for recommending new bishops worldwide  .


Cardinal Prevost's election is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis's legacy, emphasizing pastoral care and synodality.  His international experience and moderate stance made him a unifying choice among the cardinals  .


As Pope Leo XIV, he inherits a Church facing challenges such as internal disputes, fallout from abuse scandals, and declining attendance in Western congregations.  His leadership is expected to focus on healing and unity within the global Catholic community. 


Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to appear shortly to give his first blessing as pope, following the traditional period of vestment preparation in the Room of Tears  .

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