For the first time in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church, an American has been elected pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago-born missionary known for his decades of service in Peru, has been chosen by the conclave of cardinals to succeed Pope Francis.
Taking the name Pope Leo the Fourteenth, Prevost greeted the world for the first time from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, offering the words, ‘Peace be with you,’ in both Italian and Spanish. Notably, despite his American roots, he did not speak in English during his first address.
Pope Leo XIV wore the traditional red papal cape — a symbolic garment that Pope Francis had chosen not to wear when he was elected in 2013 — and emphasized a mission of peace, dialogue, and evangelization.
In Washington, former President Donald Trump reacted swiftly, calling it, ‘such an honor for our country,’ adding, ‘we’re surprised and happy.’ U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, himself a Catholic, sent congratulations, calling this a moment of profound significance and wishing the new pope wisdom, strength, and grace.
In Peru, the news sparked pride and excitement, especially in Chiclayo, where Pope Leo spent years as bishop. From the cathedral in Lima, schoolteacher Isabel Panez expressed hopes that the new pontiff will soon visit.
The atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square has been electric since the white smoke appeared over the Sistine Chapel at 6:07 p.m., signaling that the 133 voting cardinals had reached the two-thirds majority needed to elect the new pope. Bells tolled across Rome and in churches around the world, from Barcelona to Madrid. Priests made the sign of the cross, nuns wept with joy, and the crowd erupted in cheers of ‘Viva il Papa!’
Pope Leo XIV previously led the Vatican’s influential office of bishops and was known for supporting reforms, including one of Pope Francis’ most revolutionary moves — adding women to the voting panel that helps select bishops. As a member of the Order of St. Augustine, Pope Leo brings with him the order’s values of community, harmony, and service to the poor.
In Chiclayo, Peru, where he once served, fellow priests describe him as joyful and humble — a man who maintained his good humor no matter the challenges. His order, founded in the 13th century, traces its spiritual roots back to Saint Augustine of Hippo, one of Christianity’s great thinkers.
On social media, former President Trump posted his congratulations, saying he looks forward to meeting the new pope and calling it ‘a meaningful moment.’
The election followed days of anticipation, as cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel, cloaked in secrecy, casting multiple rounds of ballots. While some in Rome speculated over potential Italian favorites, the election of an American represents a break from tradition — a moment some once thought impossible.
Tonight, from Rome to Washington, from Lima to Chiclayo, the Catholic world is celebrating. Pope Leo XIV’s first message was clear: a call for peace, dialogue, and unity — words that many hope will guide the Church into a new era. Stay tuned for more analysis on what this historic moment means for the future of the Catholic Church, right here on SNEWS TV.
Reporting by Megan Owen.
