Vatican City (TDI): In a landmark moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected as Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
Robert Francis Prevost becomes the 267th pontiff and the first American-born pope in the Church’s nearly 2,000-year history
Pope Francis, who served for over a decade and was widely respected for his humility, environmental advocacy, and emphasis on social justice, passed away at the age of 88. His death prompted the traditional conclave of the College of Cardinals, which convened in the Sistine Chapel to elect his successor.
The conclave, held on May 7-8 in the Sistine Chapel, concluded on the fourth ballot with Prevost’s election. At 69, Pope Leo XIV brings a wealth of pastoral and administrative experience, having served over two decades in Peru as a missionary and Bishop of Chiclayo, and more recently as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Read More: Pope Francis Dies on Easter Monday, Aged 88
Who is Leo XIV?
Born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, the new pope brings a rich blend of American and Latin American experience to the papacy. Raised in a devout Catholic household in Dolton, Illinois, he was the youngest of three sons and is of Spanish, French, Italian, and African-American heritage.
He spent nearly three decades as a missionary in Peru, serving as a parish priest, diocesan official, and seminary professor. In 2014, he was appointed as the Bishop of Chiclayo by Pope Francis. Later, in 2023, he was named Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America — positions that placed him at the heart of the Vatican’s global leadership structure.
He was elevated to cardinal in 2023 and became Cardinal-Bishop of Albano in early 2025, just months before his election as pope.
Pope Leo XIV’s papal name pays homage to Pope Leo XIII, known for his advocacy of workers’ rights and social teachings. This choice underscores the new pope’s dedication to addressing contemporary social issues within the framework of Catholic doctrine.
Read More: World Leaders Mourn Pope Francis’s Death
In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with the words, “Peace be with you,” delivered in Italian and Spanish, reflecting his multicultural background and commitment to unity.
He emphasized peace, social justice, and inclusivity, signaling a continuation of Pope Francis’s legacy.
World leaders have extended their congratulations, expressing hope that Pope Leo XIV will continue to promote peace, social justice, and unity across the globe. His first mass as pope is scheduled to be held privately with cardinals in the Sistine Chapel.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
