New American Pope, Robert Francis Prevost, Ascends Throne After Vatican Vote
The individual in question is Robert Francis Prevost, the alleged first American to be elected as Pope within the Vatican.
The papal throne has a new occupant, as Robert Francis Prevost, an American of French and Italian descent, was elected as the newest pope following voting at the Vatican on Thursday. Known from now on as Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first American pontiff in history.
The conclave - a gathering of cardinals - ended their votes, elevating Pope Leo XIV, who stunningly appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica approximately 70 minutes after white smoke was spotted billowing from the Sistine Chapel chimney. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti made the announcement, proclaiming the iconic Latin words "Habemus Papam" (We have a pope).
Pope Leo XIV addressed the masses from the balcony with a warm "Peace be with all you" in his first address to the world.
The Man Behind the Name
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, has a captivating background. He served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since 2023.
A prominent figure in the Order of Saint Augustine, Pope Leo XIV embarked on a missionary journey in Peru for many years, served as Prior General of the Augustinians (2001-2013), and bore the title of Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru (2015-2023). He was appointed as cardinal in 2023 and was later elevated to a cardinal-bishop in 2025.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump extended his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on his election. "I heartily congratulate Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, as he takes his rightful place as the first American Pope. A historic moment for our nation, I eagerly await the chance to meet this humble yet extraordinary new leader of the Catholic Church," Trump said in a momentous statement.
- Catholic Church
- Pope
- Missionary
- Augustinians
- Peru
- Pope Francis
- Donald Trump
[4]: https://www.reuters.com/world/ americas/us-born-cardinal-prevost- elected-pope- 2025-05-08/[5]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinal_Robert_ Francis_Prevost
- Despite his new role as Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost was previously a missionary and member of the Augustinians, serving in Peru for many years.
- As Pope, Robert Francis Prevost will be leading the Catholic Church, succeeding Pope Francis.
- In a historic moment, former U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election as the first American Pope.
- Prior to his ascension to the papal throne, Robert Francis Prevost served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
- Contemporarily, Robert Francis Prevost succeeded the role of Prior General of the Augustinians, where he served from 2001-2013.
