A History-Making Election: America's First Pope, Leo XIV
United States Praised by Trump for Its Significant Achievements - U.S. President Trump Discusses High Regard for Country's Esteem
Mark your calendars, folks! The conclave of 133 cardinals has chosen a new leader for the Catholic Church - and he's got some serious American roots. Cardinal Robert Prevost, a son of the Windy City, will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.
Born in Chicago in 1955, Prevost is the first Yank to claim the papal throne. Current U.S. president, the one and only Donald Trump, took to social media to give a shout-out. His posts both on Truth Social and Instagram read: "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, newly elected as Pope Leo XIV. It's a gala moment for our great nation."
The showdown to choose the new pope started on May 7, and on the evening of May 8, we saw Pope Leo XIV make his grand entrance, causing a wave of cheers from the crowds. As the white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel's chimney around 6:00 PM, we knew a new pontiff had been selected. According to Italian media, it was the fourth round of voting that led to Prevost's victory.
As for Prevost, he received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977[3]. Much of his religious career was spent in Peru, where he also gained Peruvian citizenship in 2015. His worldwide influence and dual citizenship probably played a crucial role in overcoming the usual geopolitical apprehension associated with a U.S. pope[3].
In 2023, Pope Francis brought Prevost to the Vatican to preside over the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and oversee bishop nomination screenings globally, a position that put Prevost on the Church's inner circle[3]. He was made a cardinal in January 2025, just before the conclave. Upon his inauguration, Pope Leo XIV spoke from St. Peter’s Basilica, stressing the importance of peace, dialogue, and missionary evangelization.
So here's to America's first pope, Leo XIV! May his reign bring wisdom, compassion, and a fresh perspective.
- Pope Leo XIV
- Donald Trump
- Robert Prevost
- USA
- Pope Francis
- Chicago
[3] Enrichment Data: Cardinal Robert Prevost was born in Chicago on September 14, 1955. He graduated from Villanova University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Much of his ecclesiastical career was spent in Peru, where he acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015. His dual citizenship and extensive service in Latin America likely played a significant role in breaking the geopolitical resistance against a U.S. pope. Prevost served as the head of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and oversaw vetting of bishop nominations worldwide, positioning him as an influential figure within the Church hierarchy. Upon his election as pope, Prevost addressed the faithful from St. Peter’s Basilica, focusing on themes of peace, dialogue, and missionary evangelization. His election was celebrated both in Peru, where he had ministered for many years, and in his hometown of Chicago.
- Cardinal Robert Prevost, hailing from Chicago, has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, making him the first Pope with American roots.
- Upon learning of Prevost's election, current U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media to congratulate him.
- Born in 1955, Prevost received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977.
- Despite being an American Pope, Prevost's influential position within the Church hierarchy and his dual citizenship, acquired in 2015 through his service in Peru, might have contributed to overcoming geopolitical apprehension.
- Prior to his election as pope, Pope Francis appointed Prevost to preside over the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and oversee bishop nomination screenings globally.
