Cardinal Prevost was elected pontiff on the second day of the conclave, becoming the leader of 1.4 billion Roman Catholics. He greeted his new followers by saying, “Peace be with you.”The New York Times reports that on May 8, 2025 at 3:31 p.m. ET, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. This historic moment marks the first time a pope from the United States has been chosen, defying the long-held belief that a global superpower would not be selected for such a prestigious position.
Taking the papal name Leo XIV, Pope Prevost greeted his new followers with the words, “Peace be with you.” He made his first appearance on the balcony of the Vatican, where he spoke about the importance of peace and unity within the church and the world.
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV spent over two decades serving in Peru, where he became a bishop and a naturalized citizen. His selection as pope was seen as a balanced alternative to the ideological divide between continuing the inclusive agenda of his predecessor, Pope Francis, or returning to a more conservative doctrinal path.
The announcement of Pope Leo XIV’s election was met with celebration not only in Vatican City, but also in his birthplace of Chicago and in Peru. President Trump even called his selection “a great honor” for the United States.
The conclave, which began after the death of Pope Francis last month, was the first in over a decade. After much deliberation, the cardinals chose Pope Leo XIV as the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.
As he takes on this new role, Pope Leo XIV will face difficult decisions that will shape the direction of the church and its followers. But his emphasis on building bridges and seeking peace and justice gives hope for a united and inclusive future for the Catholic Church.
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