By Ali Elias
In a momentous decision that will echo through the history of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the 267th pope, making him the first American-born pontiff. Taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV, the 69-year-old Chicago native addressed thousands of cheering faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square with the words:
“Peace be with you all.”
Pope Leo XIV emerges not just as a historic figure, but as a leader deeply rooted in humility, missionary zeal, and global experience. Fluent in Spanish and Italian, and a dual citizen of both the United States and Peru, Leo XIV brings with him a worldview shaped by decades of pastoral work in South America and high-level service in the Vatican.
During his first public address, delivered in Italian from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for unity and dialogue within the Church.“We have to seek together to be a missionary church. A church that builds bridges and dialogue,” he said.
Quoting St. Augustine, the spiritual father of his Augustinian order, he reminded the faithful:“For you, I am a bishop; with you, after all, I am a Christian.”
His election comes just two days after 133 cardinals entered conclave, signaling strong consensus behind his leadership. Vatican observers believe Leo XIV will carry forward many of Pope Francis’ priorities, including a commitment to the poor, social justice, and reform within the Church’s hierarchy.
Though born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is often regarded as the “least American” of the U.S. cardinals, having spent over a decade in Peru. He served as bishop of Chiclayo and previously led the Augustinian Order as Prior General for more than ten years. His Peruvian roots were celebrated by the country’s President Dina Boluarte, who described his election as a “historic moment for Peru and the world.”
Reflecting on his missionary journey, Leo once said:
“I still consider myself a missionary. My vocation, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is.”
His extensive experience in Latin America and within the Vatican — most recently as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America — positions him as a bridge-builder between cultures and traditions.
Pope Leo XIV is widely seen as a centrist unifier. While progressive on issues like poverty and migration, he holds a moderate stance on doctrinal matters, a combination that earned him broad support among the diverse College of Cardinals.
“He’s seen as somebody calm and balanced, even-handed and clear on what needs to be done,” said Vatican analyst Elise Allen.
CNN’s Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb described him as “very thoughtful, very measured,” noting that the late Pope Francis held him in high regard. In choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope aligns himself with Pope Leo XIII, who reigned from 1878 to 1903 and championed workers’ rights and Catholic social teaching. The choice signals continuity with a legacy of standing with the poor and vulnerable, reaffirming the Church’s role as a moral voice in global society.