For the first time in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church, an American has been chosen to lead it. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected pope by the College of Cardinals. He will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.
At 6:08 p.m. local time in Rome, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican bells rang loud and clear—signaling to the world that a new pope had been chosen. And just like that, the United States added one more historic first to its story.
Born and raised in Chicago, the new pope was affectionately known as “Bob” to his friends. A former priest and mentor, Fr. Robert Hagan, described him as calm, steady, and humble: “He wasn’t about the drama,” Hagan said. “When he appeared on that balcony, it was as if a family member appeared.” He’s also a big sports fan—both a Chicago Bulls and (depending on who you ask) White Sox fan.
His background includes a math degree from Villanova, missionary work in Peru, and decades of service within the Order of Saint Augustine. The Augustinians are an ancient religious order dedicated to teaching, service, and prayer, founded on the teachings of Saint Augustine of Hippo.
In his first address, Pope Leo XIV offered a powerful and peaceful message:
“Peace be with you! … Evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God … united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we move forward. We are disciples of Christ.”
He emphasized unity, dialogue, and charity, quoting his order’s founder: “With you I am a Christian, for you I am a bishop.”
He also prayed the Hail Mary with the crowd and made a heartfelt mention of his beloved diocese in Peru, where he spent many years serving faithfully.
Though media coverage is scrambling to figure out what direction the new papacy will take, early signs suggest that Pope Leo XIV leans toward orthodoxy, especially on pro-life issues. He is not known for “woke” activism and appears to value tradition, prayer, and moral clarity.
His choice of the name “Leo” may be a nod to Pope Leo XIII, a 19th-century pontiff famous for championing the rights of workers, defending private property, and warning against both socialism and unrestrained capitalism.
Senator Marco Rubio once described Leo XIII’s teachings as timeless, noting how his famous encyclical Rerum Novarum stood firmly for the dignity of workers while defending conservative values like property rights and religious freedom.
From St. Peter’s Square in Rome to New York City, Americans celebrated this historic moment. The Empire State Building lit up in gold and white. American flags waved in Vatican City. At Fox News headquarters, crowds watched with emotion.
President Donald Trump also issued a statement:
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV!”
This is a monumental chapter in Church and American history. At a time of growing global instability and moral confusion, the election of an American pope—especially one with a firm, faithful foundation—may well be providential.
Pope Leo XIV enters office with the weight of the world on his shoulders, but also with the hope of millions behind him.
May God bless him—and may God bless America.
