Leo XIV makes history as first American Pope
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old from Chicago, has been elected as the first U.S.-born pope, taking the name Leo XIV. In his first address from St. Peter’s Basilica, he honoured his predecessor, Pope Francis, and called for global peace.
A missionary-turned-pontiff, Leo spent decades in Peru, where he served as a bishop and holds dual citizenship.
His deep ties to Latin America and leadership in the Vatican’s bishop-appointment office position him as a reform-minded successor to Francis.
World leaders swiftly congratulated the new pope, with former U.S. President Donald Trump hailing the election as a national milestone. Analysts suggest Leo’s multicultural background could bridge divides in a polarized Church.
As the first pope from a superpower, his election marks a seismic shift for the Vatican—balancing tradition with modern challenges.
