It’s Robert Francis Prevost!
We have an American pope!
Here’s our profile of Prevost from before the conclave:
Despite the Vatican’s longstanding opposition to the idea of a pope from the US because of the country’s superpower status and secular global influence, the moderate, Chicago-born Prevost is still one to watch.
Created a cardinal by Francis in 2023, the former leader of the Augustinian order was also appointed by the late pope to the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, which oversees the selection of new bishops from around the world.
Those senior roles, combined with the fact that he has significant missionary experience in Peru, having served as bishop of the northern city of Chiclayo, may go some way to redeeming him in the eyes of those who would not usually countenance the idea of an American pope.
Key events
First messages of congratulations from political leaders
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy:
Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex on his election to the See of Saint Peter and the beginning of his pontificate.
Ukraine deeply values the Holy See’s consistent position in upholding international law, condemning the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians.
At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace.
I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration, and strength—both spiritual and physical—in carrying out his noble mission.
Ad multos annos!
French president Emmanuel Macron:
A historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful. To Pope Leo XIV, and to all Catholics in France and around the world, I extend a message of fraternity.
On this May 8th, may this new pontificate be one of peace and hope.
European Council president António Costa:
I warmly welcome the election of the new Pope Leo XIV, a moment of hope for millions around the world. In times of division and uncertainty, his spiritual leadership can help inspire unity, compassion, and peace.
The European Union and the Holy See share a deep commitment to human dignity. I’m looking forward to working together in our shared pursuit of the common good.
Lots of other European leaders also published their best wishes, including Spain’s Pedro Sánchez, Poland’s Andrzej Duda and Donald Tusk, Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, Portugal’s Luís Montenegro, Austria’s Christian Stocker, Czech Republic’s Petr Fiala, the Netherlands’ Dick Schoof and many, many others.
Key facts about the new pope
Vatican’s news service has now posted a lengthy biography of the new pope.
I have read it for you, so here are the key facts about Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost:
69-year-old American
first Augustinian Pope
born in Chicago, Illinois to parents of French, Italian and Spanish decent
has two brothers, Luis Martin and John Joseph
studied in the US and entered the notiviate in Saint Louis, US, before receiving theological education in Chicago
was sent to Rome at the age of 27 to study canon law, where he was ordained priest
his long-standing connection with Peru dates back to 1985, when he served in an Augustinian mission in Chulucanas, Peru
he later joined a separate mission in Trujillo, Peru
he was made bishop of Chiclayo, Peru in 2015
promoted to archbishop in 2023 and created cardinal in 2024
New pontiff will have to hit ground running on many urgent issues
Harriet Sherwood
From conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, to migration, the climate crisis and schisms in the church, the honeymoon period for the new pope will be short.
The Roman Catholic church has a new leader, the Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV. Once the prayers are over and the crowds have dispersed from St Peter’s Square, what issues must the new pope grapple with?
Church unity
A key task will be to strengthen unity within the church amid growing polarisation in the world and different views and expectations within the church. Some observers believe there is a real risk of schism after 20 years in which there have been popes on either end of the spectrum: the traditional/conservative Benedict XVI, and the liberal/progressive Francis.
International diplomacy
The pope has an important role to play on the international stage, particularly to ensure that religion does not become a fault line. He will face ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan plus the politically divisive issues of migration, the climate crisis, religious freedom and human rights.
Sexual abuse
The legacy of sexual abuse cast a long shadow over Francis’s papacy. He was slow to grasp the scale and systemic nature of the problem, and at first did not understand the pain and anger of survivors. That pain has not gone away, and the new pope’s approach will inevitably come under intense scrutiny.
Governance
The new pope will need to take decisions on governance within the church, including the pace of change and levels of inclusion regarding laity and women. He will need to make key appointments within days to get the new papacy up and running.
Vatican finances
There are two aspects to this for the new pope’s attention: general oversight and transparency, on which there was significant progress under Pope Francis but still more to do; and the unsustainable levels of deficit in the Vatican finances, which deteriorated during Francis’s papacy.
Sexuality and identity
Francis shifted the church’s dial on issues relating to sexuality and identity, condemning discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, meeting trans men and women and authorising the blessings of same sex couples. Francis’s standpoint prompted a backlash among traditionalists, and the new pope will be watched closely for his views.
Read more about papal in-tray:
“Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago,’ city mayor quips
Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson responded to the news about the new pope on social media saying:
Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago! Congratulations to the first American Pope Leo XIV! We hope to welcome you back home soon.
Jakub Krupa
It appears the new pope is active on social media.
Given what seems to be his previous criticism towards some members of the Trump administration, such as this comment towards JD Vance or perhaps this one, their relationship will be one to watch.
US president Trump congratulates Leo XIV, looks forward to meeting
First congratulations are in from the US president, Donald Trump, who said on Truth Social:
Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!
In his first comments, the new pope calls for the light of Christ to serve “as the bridge” to God’s love.
He recalls the words of St Augustine:
For you I am a bishop; but with you I am a Christian.
He also says a few words addressed to the church of Rome, and thanks his (now former) diocese in Chiclayo in Peru.
He leads the faithful in St Peter’s Square in prayer, with Ave Maria.
Message of peace and unity from new pope
In his first comments in Italian, Pope Leo XIV says he wants this message of peace to “enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are.”
Paying tribute to Pope Francis, he urges faithful to “move forward, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other.”
He also thanks fellow cardinals for choosing him for the role.
“Peace be with all of you” – Pope Leo XIV addresses crowds
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States, appears on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
Habemus Papam: Pope Leo XIV!
The new pope, US cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
It’s been a long while since we had a pope with this name: last Leo, Leo XIII, was elected in 1878 and served until his death in 1903.
It’s Robert Francis Prevost!
We have an American pope!
Here’s our profile of Prevost from before the conclave:
Despite the Vatican’s longstanding opposition to the idea of a pope from the US because of the country’s superpower status and secular global influence, the moderate, Chicago-born Prevost is still one to watch.
Created a cardinal by Francis in 2023, the former leader of the Augustinian order was also appointed by the late pope to the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, which oversees the selection of new bishops from around the world.
Those senior roles, combined with the fact that he has significant missionary experience in Peru, having served as bishop of the northern city of Chiclayo, may go some way to redeeming him in the eyes of those who would not usually countenance the idea of an American pope.
And here’s the announcement…
Jakub Krupa
It’s just over an hour now since the white smoke, so we should see the new pope for the first time fairly soon.
Who will announce next pope?
It will be the French cardinal protodeacon Dominique Mamberti who will announce the new pope to the world, with the historic phrase: “Habemus Papam!”.
Unless, that it, he is the one who was elected!
Daniel writes in to make a good point that “the baptismal name given in the announcement will be the latinized version of it.”
Jorge Mario was “Giorgium Marium”, Joseph was “Josefus” and Karol was “Karolum”.
Let’s see who is it now.
