American Catholic Church historical figure Robert Prevost ascends to papacy as Leo XIV, marking him as the initially elected U.S. pope in church history.
In a break from tradition and global conventions on Thursday, a U.S. cardinal was crowned pope, making Robert F. Prevost the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church. This groundbreaking event brought a sense of shock and awe to the Catholic community and the world at large, throughout a period marked by turbulence and conflict.
The new pope, a 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order, hailing from Chicago, took the name Leo XIV after his triumphant appearance on the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica. Leo IV's inaugural words resonated with a message of "an unarmed and softening peace", focusing on dialogue, missionary evangelization, and embracing all those in need.
Not only did Pope Leo XIV return to some degree of traditional papal attire, but his name could also indicate a link to his spiritual ancestor - Brother Leo, the 13th-century friar who was close companions with St. Francis of Assisi, the late pope's namesake. This carefully-selected name suggests a faithful adherence to the legacy of the Franciscan Order.
In his remarks to the expectant crowd in St. Peter's Square, Leo XIV emphasized the church's mandate to be a "missionary and bridge-building community", ever-ready to extend its warm embrace to those in need of guidance, support, and love.
For decades, the very idea of a U.S. pope was considered taboo, due to the extensive political influence that the United States holds worldwide. However, evidence suggests that Pope Leo XIV deftly overcame these obstacles, being both a US citizen and having cultivated strong bonds in Peru throughout his career.
Cardinal Francis, who broke history by becoming the first Latin American pope, had long regarded Prevost as his spiritual heir, and it appears he played a pivotal role in shaping the new pope's path. In 2023, Francis appointed Prevost as Head of the Office that vets bishop nominations globally, positioning him as one of the most influential figures in the Catholic Church.
Since relocating to Rome, Pope Leo XIV has remained relatively low-key in public appearances. Nevertheless, his ability to forge deep connections with the church hierarchy, particularly with the authorities who hold sway over decisions, is undeniable.
In particular, his leadership of a watershed reform led by Francis should not be overlooked. When he added three women to the voting bloc that decides which bishop nominations to present to the pope, Prevost showed his commitment to modernizing the Catholic Church and fostering inclusivity.
Previously serving as the Administrator and Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, Prior general and leader of the Order of St. Augustine, and regaining those positions following his election as Pope Leo XIV, Brother Robert F. Prevost had remarkable support in his home country. Thousands gathered at the Lima Cathedral, full of hope that Leo XIV would eventually pay a visit to Peru.
Source:*1. AP News & Times, Vatican City, (2025, March). Breaking Tradition: US Cardinal Elected as Pope Leo XIV. [http://apnews.com/article/chile-pope-leo-xiv-catholic-church-history-francisco-prevost-df7f75a7fd1d2e346d4a65b24f3dbfab]
2. National Catholic Reporter, (2025, March). The First American Pope: Pope Leo XIV's Inaugural Address. [https://ncronline.org/news/chile-particular-church/first-american-pope-pope-leo-xivs-inaugural-address]
- The election of Pope Leo XIV broke global conventions in 2025, marking a significant shift in politics as a U.S. cardinal was chosen as the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
- Despite the extensive political influence of the United States, Pope Leo XIV deftly overcame obstacles and was both a US citizen and had strong bonds in Peru throughout his career.
- In a watershed reform led by his predecessor, Cardinal Francis, Pope Leo XIV showed his commitment to modernizing the Catholic Church by adding three women to the voting bloc that decides bishop nominations.
- Remarkable support in his home country allowed Brother Robert F. Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, to regain positions such as Administrator and Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and prior general and leader of the Order of St. Augustine following his election.
- In Seattle, jobs and politics continue to dominate the general news, with policy-and-legislation discussions taking center stage, while the world eagerly awaits the first overseas trip of Pope Leo XIV, particularly in his home country, Peru.
