Robert Francis Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pontiff in History
In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His appointment follows the death of Pope Francis, and marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first-ever pope from the Americas.
The announcement was made on Thursday, May 8, by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel—signaling to the world that a new leader had been chosen.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, in his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell shared the somber news:
“Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love—especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”
Cardinal Farrell concluded with a tribute filled with reverence:
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the Triune God.”
Following a long struggle with declining health—including hospitalization for bronchitis in February and a subsequent diagnosis of double pneumonia—Pope Francis succumbed to a cerebral stroke, which led to a coma and ultimately irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse, according to Vatican officials.
After lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica from April 23 to 25, Pope Francis was honored with a solemn funeral in St. Peter’s Square on April 26, before being laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. His final public appearance took place just a day before his passing, when he addressed the faithful on Easter Sunday from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Elected pope in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis made history as the first Latin American pope and brought a deeply pastoral, humble, and reform-minded approach to the papacy.
Now, Pope Leo XIV steps onto the world stage from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, as the cardinals’ conclave concludes and the Church ushers in a new chapter. The conclave, composed of cardinal-electors under the age of 80, met in strict secrecy—emerging with a two-thirds consensus that signals a unified vision for the Church’s future.
With millions watching, Pope Leo XIV’s historic election signals not only the beginning of a new papacy but also a profound shift in the global face of Catholic leadership.
