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Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been chosen as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement was made on Thursday, May 8, following the traditional sign of white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the College of Cardinals had successfully elected a new pope.
Prevost, aged 69, becomes the first pope born in the United States, although he also holds Peruvian citizenship and spent many years of his ministry in Latin America. His election marks a significant moment in Church history, as thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted with cheers and prayerful celebration at the sight of the white smoke.
“This is an incredible moment—I’m overwhelmed,” said Roseleia Cordeiro, a 42-year-old pilgrim from Brazil, wiping tears as she embraced fellow worshippers. “We are witnessing history.”
A Leader with Global Ties and Reform Experience
Born in Chicago on September 14, 1955, Prevost has held prominent roles within the Catholic Church. Prior to his election, he served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a crucial post responsible for selecting bishops across the globe. He also led the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and served as Archbishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru—a region where he gained both citizenship and close pastoral ties.
A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, Prevost was elected Prior General of the order twice, leading the worldwide community of Augustinian friars. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him bishop in Peru, recognizing his leadership and pastoral care. His responsibilities expanded further in 2023, when he was called to Rome to take on one of the Vatican’s most influential roles in shaping Church leadership.
Despite his quiet demeanor, Prevost was a key figure in reforms under Pope Francis, including efforts to broaden participation in bishop appointments—such as the historic inclusion of women in the selection process.
Bridging Continents and Breaking Traditions
Prevost’s election represents a break from longstanding expectations surrounding the papacy. For years, the idea of an American pope was seen as unlikely due to concerns about the United States’ global political influence. However, Prevost’s identity as both American and Latin American appears to have eased those concerns.
“He’s not just from the U.S.—he’s deeply rooted in Latin America,” said a Vatican official. “That gives him a unique ability to connect across cultures and continents.”
A Humble Shepherd for a Global Church
Father Fidel Purisaca Vigil, a priest from Chiclayo, remembered Prevost as a calm and compassionate figure. “Even in the face of difficulties, he remains joyful and approachable,” he shared.
Pope Leo XIV takes the helm of the Church at a critical time, with ongoing challenges like declining church attendance in the West, calls for deeper reform, and the need for renewed spiritual leadership across diverse cultures. His cross-continental background and firm grounding in the Augustinian tradition suggest he may be well suited to guide the Church into a new chapter of unity and renewal.
As he prepares to step out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and greet the world for the first time as the 267th pontiff, Catholics around the globe look forward to the words and vision of Pope Leo XIV.
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