Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Makes History as Pope Leo XIV

Historic First: American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 – In a moment that will be remembered for centuries, the Roman Catholic Church has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States as the new Pope Leo XIV, making him the first American pope in the nearly 2,000-year history of the Church.

The iconic white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Wednesday evening, signaling to the world that a new pope had been chosen. The announcement came just two days after the conclave began, following the resignation of Pope Francis due to health reasons.

“Habemus Papam”: A Pope from the United States

From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the senior cardinal declared to the thousands gathered in the Vatican square:
“Habemus Papam!” (We have a Pope!)
The crowd erupted in cheer as 69-year-old Cardinal Prevost appeared and introduced himself with a warm smile, announcing that he would take the name Pope Leo XIV — a tribute to Pope Leo XIII, known for his progressive views and social teachings.

Who is Pope Leo XIV?

Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955, into a devout Catholic family of French, Spanish, and Italian descent. He joined the Order of Saint Augustine in the late 1970s, taking his solemn vows in 1981. He studied mathematics and divinity before earning a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

But what truly shaped his pastoral journey was his missionary work in Peru, where he served for nearly two decades. In that time, he became a beloved figure — not just as a priest and seminary professor, but also as an administrator and guide to local communities. He later took Peruvian citizenship, becoming a symbol of global unity in the Church.

In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, making him one of the most powerful figures in Vatican administration. His promotion to cardinal in early 2025 solidified his influence just months before he was elected to the papacy.

A Pope for the Modern World

During his first address as Pope Leo XIV, he spoke passionately about the need for the Church to be more open, inclusive, and focused on unity and dialogue.

“Let us be a Church that listens, heals, and builds bridges, not walls,” he said to roaring applause.

His choice of the name Leo XIV signals a return to social advocacy, much like Pope Leo XIII, who defended the rights of workers and promoted peace in turbulent times. With rising global conflicts and declining Church attendance in parts of the world, Pope Leo XIV is expected to bring renewed vision and spiritual energy to Catholics everywhere — especially in the Americas.

What This Means for India and the World

For Indian Catholics — one of the world’s largest Christian communities outside the West — this election is monumental. A Pope with strong ties to Latin America, experience in global missions, and a background in cultural integration could lead to more attention toward Asian and Global South Church communities.

From the streets of Kerala to the hills of Nagaland, Catholics in India are hopeful that Pope Leo XIV will recognize the diversity and challenges of Christian life in countries where Catholicism is a minority religion.