Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States Elected as the 267th Pope, to be Known as Pope Leo XIV
In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, has been elected as the 267th pope and is set to soon make his appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as the new spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV makes history as the first-ever pope from the United States. His election marks a significant shift in the Church’s leadership, as the world looks forward to the new era he will usher in.
A seasoned leader with vast international experience, Pope Leo XIV spent the majority of his career as a missionary in South America. His recent role as head of the influential Vatican office overseeing bishop appointments has provided him with deep insight into the global Church. Many expect him to continue the reformist legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to the missionary work is evident from his decade-long service in Trujillo, Peru, followed by his role as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023. Reflecting on his mission, he shared in an interview with Vatican News after being named Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops: “I still consider myself a missionary. My calling—like that of every Christian—is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever you are.”
As the Church enters this new chapter, all eyes will be on Pope Leo XIV as he carries forward the mission of faith, reform, and outreach to the global Catholic community.