The Catholic Church has a new spiritual leader. Cardinal Robert Prevost, a distinguished Vatican official and native of the United States, has been elected Pope, adopting the papal name Leo XIV.

 

The announcement was delivered from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, following the appearance of the traditional white smoke—signaling the successful election of a new pontiff by the College of Cardinals.

 

At 69 years old, Pope Leo XIV becomes the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s two-millennia history, marking a historic milestone for Catholics both in the U.S. and around the globe.

 

He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

 

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Order of St. Augustine and is widely recognized for his thoughtful yet decisive leadership, theological depth, and extensive pastoral experience across continents.

In 2023, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, where he played a key role in the global oversight and appointment of bishops.