Staff Reporter :
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born cleric, has been elected as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, making history as the first American to ascend to the papacy in its over 2,000-year existence.
Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected pope made his first public appearance from the roofed loggia of St Peter’s Basilica, offering the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing and beginning his address with the words, “Peace be with all of you.”
The announcement came on Thursday evening, shortly after white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:07 p.m. (16:07 GMT), signalling that the conclave of cardinals had successfully elected a new pope. The jubilant crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square erupted into applause as the basilica bells rang out and the proclamation “Habemus Papam!” – Latin for “We have a pope!” – was delivered with great anticipation.
Pope Leo XIV was elected with at least 89 votes out of the 133 cardinals present at the conclave, confirming his selection on the second day of deliberations.
His election has stirred global optimism, not only due to its historic nature but also because of the new pontiff’s background. A member of the Augustinian order, Pope Leo XIV previously served as a missionary and bishop in Peru and more recently led the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, a key position influencing episcopal appointments worldwide. His Latin American pastoral experience is expected to inform a socially engaged and inclusive papacy.
The choice of the name Leo is seen as symbolically significant. The last pontiff to bear the name, Leo XIII (1878-1903), was renowned for his teachings on social justice and labour rights. Theologians suggest that Pope Leo XIV may echo these themes, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to the poor and marginalised.
“We may witness a deepening of the Church’s concern for workers and the overlooked,” said Father James Bretzke, professor of theology at John Carroll University.
The new pope’s first address centred on the theme of peace, setting a hopeful tone for a papacy many expect to bridge tradition with a renewed global vision. His election has been met with widespread congratulations from world leaders, including from US President Donald Trump, who described the appointment as “a great honour for our country” and expressed eagerness to meet the new pontiff.
However, observers have noted past tensions between Prevost and the Trump administration, with previous criticisms posted on the Pope’s former X (formerly Twitter) account. According to Massimo Faggioli, a professor of theology at Villanova University, this backdrop may have influenced the cardinals’ decision.
“The upheaval caused by the rhetoric of the Trump presidency may have paradoxically enabled the election of an American pope – one who can offer a measured counterpoint,” Faggioli remarked.
The election was warmly received in Peru, where President Dina Boluarte praised the Pope’s pastoral service: “His closeness to those most in need left an indelible mark on the hearts of Peru.”
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who was the first pontiff from Latin America and served for twelve years before his recent passing. As the Church turns to a new chapter, many faithful around the world look to Pope Leo XIV with renewed hope for a papacy grounded in compassion, justice, and spiritual renewal.
