In a historic turn of events for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native and member of the Augustinian order, has been elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. The announcement, made yesterday from the Vatican, marks the first time in the Church’s 2,000-year history that a Pope hails from the United States.
The election of Cardinal Prevost, who until recently headed the Vatican’s powerful Dicastery for Bishops, came somewhat swiftly after the cardinals entered the conclave. White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on the second day of deliberations, signaling to the world that a new leader had been chosen.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, the 69-year-old Pope Leo XIV spent many years as a missionary in Peru, even becoming a citizen of the South American nation. His pastoral work there, particularly his dedication to the poor and his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, earned him the affectionate moniker “the saint of the north.”
Upon his election, Pope Leo XIV addressed the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square in both Italian and Spanish, notably omitting English. His initial remarks emphasized peace, dialogue, and the Church’s missionary role, echoing themes prominent in the pontificate of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
The choice of the name Leo carries significant weight in papal history. Thirteen previous Popes have taken this name, with the most recent being Pope Leo XIII, whose long reign from 1878 to 1903 was marked by a softening of the Church’s stance towards modernity and the development of modern Catholic social teaching. This historical precedent suggests that Pope Leo XIV may intend to continue along a path of social justice and engagement with contemporary issues.
News of the first American Pope has elicited reactions from around the globe. Leaders and citizens alike have expressed surprise and hope at this unprecedented selection. In the United States, there have been messages of congratulations and anticipation for the direction the new pontiff will take the Church.
Having spent years working in the Vatican and closely with the outgoing Pope, Pope Leo XIV is seen by many as a figure who can bridge divides and continue the reforms initiated by his predecessor. His background as a missionary and his experience in overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide provide him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the Catholic Church today.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, the world watches with keen interest to see how his leadership will shape the future of the Catholic Church and its engagement with global issues. His historic election marks a new chapter, one filled with both anticipation and the weight of tradition.
