Leo XIV shocks the world as first American pope, vows to continue Francis’ mission

VATICAN CITY. Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago-born missionary with deep roots in Latin America, was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday. Taking the name Leo XIV, he becomes the first pontiff from the United States.

White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, confirming that the College of Cardinals had reached a decision following the death of Pope Francis last month. Minutes later, Leo XIV stepped onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet a cheering crowd.

“Pace a tutti voi,” the new pope declared in fluent Italian, “Peace be with you all.” He also spoke briefly in Spanish but did not address the crowd in English.

Although born in Chicago, Prevost holds dual citizenship with Peru, where he spent much of his life in missionary work and later served as bishop of Chiclayo. He became a cardinal only in 2023 and was considered a long shot for the papacy due to his reserved public persona and limited media exposure.

His appointment was immediately celebrated in Peru. President Dina Boluarte’s office posted on X: “Su cercanía con los más necesitados dejó una huella imborrable en los corazones del Perú” (His closeness to those most in need left an indelible mark on the hearts of Peru).

Back in the United States, the news triggered both celebration and controversy. Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social:

“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!”

However, previous social media activity from Prevost’s X account showed criticism of both Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s policies. Scholars like Villanova University’s Professor Massimo Faggioli suggested that the very divisiveness of the Trump-era politics may have swayed cardinals toward electing a pope who could respond with compassion and clarity.

“The international upheaval of the rhetoric of the Trump presidency, paradoxically, made possible the impossible,” said Faggioli.
“Trump has broken many taboos, the conclave now has done the same — in a very different key.”

Pope Leo’s address included gratitude to his predecessor Francis, and a reaffirmation of the Church’s commitment to social justice and outreach.

“La Chiesa deve essere sempre vicina al popolo, specialmente a chi soffre,” he said, “The Church must always be close to the people, especially those who are suffering.”

Francis, the first Latin American pope, led the Church for 12 years and introduced numerous reforms, including a willingness to engage in open dialogue about controversial issues such as the role of women in the Church and LGBTQ inclusion. Leo XIV is expected to continue many of those initiatives.

His appearance in traditional red papal garments over a white cassock marked a contrast with Francis, who famously rejected many papal formalities. Reactions in St. Peter’s Square ranged from surprise to joy.

“I’m just thrilled. I hope this can bring to America a more loving community. I think there’s a lot of hate in America. I think there’s a lot of racism. I have experienced it,” said Lailah Brown, 28, an African American pilgrim from Seattle.

“I hope America does not embarrass the pope,” she added.

Yet, not everyone was jubilant. SNAP, the U.S.-based advocacy group for victims of clerical abuse, expressed “grave concern” over Leo XIV’s election, citing past allegations that he failed to act decisively against predatory priests in Chicago and Peru.

“You can end the abuse crisis, the only question is, will you?” the group asked in an open statement.

In a 2023 interview with Vatican News, Prevost acknowledged the need for transparency, saying the Church “must be honest and courageous” in addressing abuse allegations.

Back in Chicago, the Catholic Theological Union, where Prevost earned his master’s degree in 1982, erupted in celebration.

“It was an explosion of excitement and cheers that went up in the room … many of us were just simply incredulous and just couldn’t even find words to express our delight, our pride,” said Sister Barbara Reid, the school’s president.

She praised Leo XIV as “an intellectually brilliant man” with a “compassionate heart” and “a leader who listens to the cries of the poorest.”

The choice of the name Leo holds deep historical resonance. The last pope to take that name, Leo XIII (1878–1903), was renowned for championing social justice and laying the groundwork for modern Catholic social teaching, values that Prevost has consistently upheld.

Before coming to Rome in 2023 to lead the Vatican office responsible for selecting bishops, Prevost served as bishop of Chiclayo for eight years, gaining respect for his dedication to the poor and marginalized.

With the world now watching closely, Pope Leo XIV faces the monumental task of shepherding a global Church through a time of internal reform, geopolitical unrest, and rising secularism, a challenge he appears ready to embrace with humility and conviction.