The Catholic Church has entered a new era with the election of its first American Pope. Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost has been chosen as the 267th Bishop of Rome, taking the papal name Leo XIV. The historic announcement came when Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti appeared on the central loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica to pronounce the traditional “Habemus Papam” formula.
“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope,” declared Cardinal Mamberti to the thousands of faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square. “The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord Robert Francis, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost, who has taken the name Leo XIV.”
The election occurred on the second day of the conclave, with white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel chimney shortly after 5pm UK time on Thursday, signalling that the 133 cardinals had reached the required two-thirds majority.
A Pontiff of Many Firsts
At 69 years old, Pope Leo XIV represents several significant firsts for the Catholic Church. He is the first Pope from the United States and only the second from the Americas, following Pope Francis who hailed from Argentina. Most notably, he becomes the first Augustinian Pope in the Church’s long history.
Born on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, to parents of mixed European heritage, Pope Leo XIV brings a diverse cultural background to the papacy. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, was of French and Italian descent, while his mother, Mildred Martínez, had Spanish roots.
From Mathematics to Missionary Work
The new pontiff’s journey began with studies in Mathematics and Philosophy at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. He entered the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977, making his solemn vows in 1981 before being ordained a priest in Rome the following year.
After completing his doctorate in Canon Law with a thesis on “The Role of the Local Prior in the Order of Saint Augustine,” Pope Leo XIV spent significant time as a missionary in Peru. For 11 years, he served in Trujillo in various capacities, including as formation director and judicial vicar, while also providing pastoral care to impoverished communities.
His leadership abilities were recognised when he was elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order in 2001 and re-elected in 2007. His episcopal motto, “In Illo uno unum,” reflects Saint Augustine’s teaching that “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.”
Rise Through Church Hierarchy
Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2015, where he also served as second vice-president of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference. His Vatican career accelerated in January 2023 when he was called to Rome as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Created Cardinal in September 2023, he participated in both sessions of the Synod of Bishops on synodality and was elevated to the Order of Bishops in February 2025, shortly before his election as Pope.
First Words as Pope
Addressing the crowds from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor, speaking in Italian: “Pope Francis was always courageous and blessed Rome. The pope that blessed Rome gave his blessing to the whole world on that Easter morning. Let us follow up that blessing. God loves us and God loves all of you. Sin will not prevail, we are all in the hands of God.”
International Reaction
The election has prompted reactions from world leaders, including Ireland’s Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, who offered warm congratulations on behalf of the Irish people:
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, I offer warm congratulations to Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV.
The scenes of great joy and celebrations in St. Peter’s Square are a reflection of the hopes and goodwill felt by people of the Catholic faith from all around the world towards the new Pope.
I hope that this groundswell of best wishes towards Pope Leo XIV will give him strength and support as he takes on the immense responsibility of his pontificate. I know that he has the best wishes of all Irish people, of all traditions.
I also send my congratulations to the people of the United States, a country with which Ireland enjoys such a deep and strong relationship. To have a Pope from their country is a source of great pride and an honour for their nation.
I wish Pope Leo XIV every strength, good health, and the required spiritual guidance as he begins his mission of leading the Catholic Church at a time of challenge, building on the pastoral direction and achievements of Pope Francis.
I look forward to working with Pope Leo XIV as an important and influential partner in addressing the many and interlinked challenges facing our world, as we work for peace, justice and sustainable development for all.”
A Diverse Conclave
The conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV was one of the most diverse in Church history, with cardinals representing approximately 70 countries, including nations like Mongolia, Sweden and Tonga. Three UK cardinals participated: Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Rome-based Cardinal Arthur Roche. Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who has primarily served in the US and Rome, was also among the electors.
Looking Forward
Pope Leo XIV now faces the challenge of leading the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics at what Cardinals described as “a difficult and complex turning point in history.” He succeeds Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at age 88 from a stroke and heart failure after a papacy characterised by progressive stances on social issues and dedication to the poor and marginalised.
The new pontiff’s extensive international experience, administrative expertise and spiritual depth will be crucial as he navigates contemporary challenges while building upon the legacy of his predecessor.
First American Pope elected as Cardinal Robert Prevost becomes Pope Leo XIV. His diverse background includes missionary work in Peru and Vatican leadership roles. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomes this historic moment, highlighting the deep US-Irish connection.