American Cardinal Prevost Ascends to Pope Throne, Adopting Name Leo XIV
New Pope Announcement: Meet Leo XIV
Hey there! Exciting news from the Vatican. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an Augustinian missionary with roots in the US, Italy, France, and Spain, has been elected as the new pope. He'll be known as Leo XIV during his pontificate.
Prevost, who served as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru and its bishop, has been a moderating influence in the local church, navigating the divisions between left-wing and right-wing factions. He's also served on the Peruvian bishops’ conference permanent council and as vice-president from 2018 to 2023.
In 2023, Pope Francis called Prevost to the Vatican, appointing him as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the Church's most powerful offices. Later that year, he was made a cardinal and promoted to cardinal-bishop in 2025, reflecting the trust Pope Francis has in him.
The white smoke that emerged from the Sistine Chapel's chimney at 18.07 local time (16.07 GMT) confirmed his election, which was reached on the second day of the conclave. Let's welcome Leo XIV, the 267th pontiff in history, who succeeds Francis (2013-2025), and will close the Holy Year called by Francis on January 6, 2026.
The crowd in St. Peter's Square, filled with faith, pilgrims, religious, and tourists, erupted in joy upon seeing the white smoke. The area was protected by a security protocol, with a honor guard of Swiss Guards and gendarmes deployed at the foot of the Vatican Basilica before the announcement.
Prevost, a man of diverse heritage, brings a unique perspective to the papacy. His American birth, Italian, French, and Spanish origins, missionary work in Peru, and prominent role in the Vatican make him a fascinating figure in the Catholic world. Stay tuned for more updates, and let's support our new pope, Leo XIV!
Fun Fact: Did you know? Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is not just a citizen of the US, but he also holds Peruvian nationality.
Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]
- Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the new pope Leo XIV, has French roots among his diverse heritage.
- Prior to his appointment as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Prevost served as bishop in Peru.
- Prevost's election as pope was confirmed by the white smoke that emerged from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, marking his status as the 267th pontiff in history.
- This French-American, Italian, Spanish, and Peruvian cardinal's unique background and experiences in policy-and-legislation, politics, and general news make him a captivating figure in the Catholic world.
