Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, waves to crowds from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after his election by the College of Cardinals on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native and longtime servant of the Catholic Church, made history Thursday as he was introduced to the world as Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ascend to the papacy. His election was announced to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti presented the new pontiff from the iconic balcony of the basilica.
Prevost, 69, received the required two-thirds majority vote from the College of Cardinals during the Vatican conclave. He succeeds Pope Francis, under whom he served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
“Peace be with you,” Pope Leo XIV said in his first address, echoing the words of the risen Christ. “This is the peace of the risen Christ, a disarming and humble and preserving peace. It comes from God, who loves all of us without limits or conditions.”
The new pope paid tribute to Pope Francis, praising his humility and legacy. “Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis… Evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God.”
Drawing from his Augustinian roots, Leo XIV quoted Saint Augustine: “With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop,” and called on Catholics around the world to walk together in unity, dialogue, and peace.
“To the Church of Rome, and to all peoples, we must be a missionary Church—building bridges, receiving with open arms, and showing love, especially to those who suffer,” he said.
He concluded with a prayer to the Virgin Mary, invoking her guidance and protection for the Church and the world.