New Pope Elected: American Cardinal Becomes Pope Leo XIV

On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church elected a new Pope — the 267th pontiff is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the United States, who chose the name Leo XIV upon his election. He is the first Pope in the history of the Catholic Church to come from the United States. This was reported by Vatican News.

The announcement «Habemus Papam» («We have a Pope») was proclaimed from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after white smoke appeared from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful with the words: «Peace be with you all!»

Robert Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, where he joined the Order of St. Augustine at a young age. After completing his theological studies, he earned a doctorate in canon law in Rome at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. During the 1980s and 1990s, he served as a missionary in Peru, working with local communities, teaching at a seminary, and gaining recognition for his pastoral efforts. Later, from 2001 to 2013, he led his religious order as Prior General.

As a bishop, he continued his ministry in the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops — one of the most important offices of the Roman Curia — and elevated him to the rank of cardinal.

The new Pope also expressed his intention to continue the reform path initiated by his predecessor.

Earlier, it was reported that Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez from El Salvador, despite being 82 years old, took part in the pre-conclave general congregations and expressed confidence in a swift election. According to him, the cardinals shared a unified vision of what the next pope should be.