Vatican City, May 9, 2025 — In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American with deep ties to Latin America, has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first US pontiff in the Church’s history. The decision, reached after a brief conclave, marks a significant departure from the Vatican’s traditional reluctance to appoint a pope from a global superpower, reflecting Prevost’s unique profile and his alignment with the progressive legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
A Groundbreaking Choice
Born in Chicago on September 14, 1955, and holding dual US-Peruvian citizenship, Prevost brings a distinctive perspective to the papacy. His election as the former head of the Augustinian order and a cardinal since January 2023 defies longstanding concerns about the geopolitical implications of a US pope. Prevost’s extensive experience in Peru, where he served as a missionary, judicial vicar, seminary professor, and bishop of Chiclayo, has earned him a reputation as a grounded and unifying leader.
“Prevost’s calm demeanor and good humor, even amidst challenges, have defined his ministry,” said Rev. Fidel Purisaca Vigil, communications director for Prevost’s former diocese in Chiclayo, in an interview with the Associated Press. His ability to bridge ideological divides, particularly between liberation theology advocates and traditionalist Catholics in Peru, positions him as a moderating force for a global Church navigating complex theological and social currents.
Continuity with Pope Francis
Prevost’s proximity to Pope Francis, who appointed him cardinal and entrusted him with high-profile roles as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, underscores his role as a continuity candidate. His election is likely to resonate with progressive factions within the Church, though it may disappoint more conservative US cardinals aligned with former President Donald Trump.
Trump, who publicly congratulated Prevost, described the election as “a Great Honor for our Country” and expressed enthusiasm for a future meeting. However, Prevost’s alignment with Francis, who famously criticized Trump’s border policies in 2016 as un-Christian, suggests potential friction. Francis’s rebuke, which prompted Trump to call it “disgraceful” for a religious leader to question another’s faith, highlights the ideological divide that Pope Leo XIV may need to navigate.
A Message of Peace
Addressing the world from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV opened with a call for peace: “Peace be with you.” His message emphasized dialogue, missionary evangelization, and service, echoing the pastoral priorities of the Augustinian order and Francis’s vision of a Church that is “bruised, hurting, and dirty” from its engagement with the world’s struggles. In a nod to his predecessor’s inclusive ethos of “todos, todos, todos” (everyone, everyone, everyone), Prevost urged peace to “enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are.”
The new pontiff’s plea comes at a time of escalating global conflicts, from Ukraine and Gaza to Sudan and Kashmir, underscoring the urgency of his call for reconciliation and unity. His background as a missionary and his leadership in Latin America equip him to address the Church’s role in a world marked by violence and division.
A Papacy of Service and Mission
Prevost’s election signals a commitment to Francis’s vision of a Church that is outward-looking and dedicated to service. His experience managing diverse theological perspectives and his reputation as a hardworking leader will be critical as he steers the Church through contemporary challenges. As Pope Leo XIV, he is poised to build on Francis’s legacy while forging a path that reflects his unique American and Latin American identity.
The Catholic world now watches as Pope Leo XIV assumes leadership, with expectations that his papacy will balance continuity with the bold leadership required to address a fractured global landscape. His first words of peace set the tone for a pontificate rooted in hope, dialogue, and service to all.
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