In a landmark moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected pope, making him the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s nearly 2,000-year history. Taking the name Leo XIV, Prevost’s rise comes after a four-round conclave that concluded with white smoke billowing over Vatican City today.

At 69 years old, Pope Leo XIV emerged as a unifying figure following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21. His selection follows decades of global service, including extensive missionary work in Peru, where he also holds dual citizenship, and a recent high-profile role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.

Born and raised in Chicago, Prevost graduated from Villanova University with a degree in mathematics before joining the Augustinian order. He was ordained in 1982 and spent many years as a bishop and missionary in Latin America, earning praise for his pastoral compassion and administrative skill.

As he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time as pope, Leo XIV greeted thousands of onlookers with the words, “Peace be with you all,” drawing cheers and applause from the crowd below.

His election has triggered excitement across the United States—especially in his hometown of Chicago—where residents have responded with pride and humor, joking that the Vatican may soon be serving deep-dish communion wafers. But the moment carries a much deeper significance: Leo XIV represents a Church increasingly shaped by voices outside Europe.

His choice of name appears to nod to Pope Leo XIII, remembered for his landmark encyclicals on social justice and labor rights. Analysts suggest the new pope may continue along that path, focusing on global inequality, Church transparency, and outreach to marginalized communities.

With a unique blend of American roots, Latin American experience, and Vatican leadership, Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy at a critical juncture—one marked by both hope and challenge for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. The new Pope is a registerd Republican however he has been critical of the current administration on his former Twitter feed.