Cardinal Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV) emerged as the 267th Bishop of Rome to cheers from international leaders.
Following the Cardinals’ fourth vote in the conclave, which started on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV was elected on Thursday.
In the history of the Catholic Church, the 69-year-old Prevost is the first American to hold the office.
He takes over for Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.
On June 19, 1982, Archbishop Jean Jadot consecrated Pope, a member of the St. Augustine monastic order, as a priest at the Autustinian College of Saint Monica.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955, the future Pope served as a missionary in Peru for many years before winning two mandates as head of the Augustinians.
Pope Francis named him Bishop of Chiclayo on September 26, 2015.
He was named a member of the Congregation for the Clergy by Pope Francis in 2019 and the Congregation for Bishops in 2020.
He was promoted to Archbishop on January 30, 2023, when the Pope summoned him to Rome as President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
In the September 30 Consistory of same year, Pope Francis made him a Cardinal and gave him the Saint Monica Diaconate.
“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope,” Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti told the gathered people just minutes after white smoke billowed from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel.
Pope Leo XIV said, “Peace be with all of you,” as he first addressed the awaiting crowds at the Vatican from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Peace be with you,” he said. This was the first greeting from the rising Christ, the good shepherd who sacrificed His life for God’s sheep, to His beloved brothers and sisters.
He invoked peace and then promised to fight for a unified Church that was true to the Gospel and to Jesus.
I also hope that this message of peace finds its way into your hearts, reaches your families, and spreads to everyone, no matter where they may be. Peace be with you, everyone.
Global leaders responded to his historic election right once, expressing optimism for a pope that prioritized human dignity, peace, and unity.
Donald Trump, the president of the United States, referred to the nomination as a “great honor” for the nation and expressed excitement about seeing Pope Francis, calling it a “very meaningful moment.”
According to President Bola, the election of Pope Leo XIV ushers in a new era for the Catholic Church and the principles of compassion, love, and charity—especially for the poor—that it has always upheld.
In order to spread the message of love and peace across the world, the President prayed that the Almighty God would continue to shine his light of glory over the new head of the Catholic Church and provide him good health and wisdom.
President Gustavo Petro of Colombia expressed his hope that the new pope would be a fervent supporter of immigrants, especially those from Latin America who are struggling in the United States.
In addition to encouraging our Latin American migrant brothers and sisters who are humiliated in the United States today, Petro said, “I hope he becomes a great leader for migrant peoples around the world.” They need to get organized now.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed a want for closer interfaith cooperation and embraced the chance to expand Israel’s relationship with the Vatican.
“We look forward to strengthening the friendship between Jews and Christians in the Holy Land and around the world, as well as the relationship between Israel and the Holy See,” Herzog stated.
“May you build bridges and understanding between all peoples and faiths during your pontificate.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed ongoing communication and collaboration, pointing out that Russia and the Vatican share Christian values.
Putin declared, “I have no doubt that the positive communication and collaboration that have been established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to grow on the foundation of the Christian principles that bind us together.”
According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, “through your role, you provide hope and guidance to millions of believers around the world in these challenging times.”
Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister of Spain, said he hoped the pope will improve human rights and communication.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, wished Pope Leo XIV a tenure characterized by wisdom and peace, while Polish President Andrzej Duda reiterated Poland’s willingness to strengthen its longstanding relationship with the Vatican.
“As he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world with his commitment to peace and dialogue, we wish that his tenure be guided by wisdom and strength,” Leyen added.
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