On Thursday May 8, 2025, Robert Francis Prevost, 69, was elected and will serve as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church. A former cardinal from the United States with both Peruvian and American citizenships, he is the first American to be elected Pope. However, he is also more considered as South America, the Cardinal and Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. Pope Francis has appointed 80% of the cardinals who were in the Conclave to elect the new Pope. Hence, Robert Prevost was viewed as one of the top candidates to be elected Pope, even before the Conclave. Like Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV, in his previous church roles, has shown his commitment and focus to serving the marginalized communities, including the poor, the underprivileged, and the migrants, and to protect the environment.
Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA in 1955. He was ordained a priest in 1982 and served in Peru, but also kept tight links with his American Catholic community in Chicago. He is both an American and a Peruvian citizen. He spent 10 years as a local parish pastor and was a teacher at a seminary in Trujillo, Peru. He was created Cardinal in 2023 by Pope Francis.
White smoke started billowing from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel in Rome shortly around 5:00 PM, Rome time, signaling the voting process had concluded. After the white smoke confirming the election, Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, spoke, from the Vatican balcony, to the cheerful public in St Peter's Square and addressed the audience and the people around the World, including his parish catholics in Peru.
He started by paying a tribute to late Pope Francis, saying: "Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us, and help each other, build bridges."
He then addressed the audience at the Vatican and around the World, saying:
“Peace be with you all. Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I would like this greeting of peace to reach all your hearts and families… and people around the world. May peace be with you.”
To the other cardinals, who elected him, he said: "We can all walk together towards that homeland God has prepared for us.
A special greeting to the Church of Rome."
After his address, Pope Leo XIV led the Cardinals, other religious leaders, and the cheerful people in the St Peter's Square in a quick prayer and payed homage to the Madonna, the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus, and the saints.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his address with further blessing and waved at the crowd in St Peter's Square, before leaving the balcony.
Several world leaders have sent congratulations to the new pope, Pope Leo XIV. Among them are:
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Congratulations from World Leaders
US President Donald Trump congratulated Pope Leo XIV, saying on his social media platform, Truth Social:
"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honour to realise 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!"
Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan wrote on X: "Habemus Papam! Heartfelt congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, on being elected as the Leader of the Catholic Church worldwide.
On behalf of the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I wish you all the best in your service to the Church and the world at large. May Almighty God guide and strengthen you."
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Pope Leo XIV, saying, according to news reports,
"Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your election as Pope. I am certain that the constructive dialogue and interaction that has been established between Russia and the Vatican will develop further on the basis of the Christian values that unite us."
Former US President Barack Obama , congratulated Pope Leo XIV, saying:
"Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. TThis is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith."
Former US President George W. Bush also offered his congratulations in a statement saying. “Laura and I are delighted to congratulate former Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election to the papacy. This an historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America and for the faithful around the world . We join those praying for the success of Pope Leo XIV as he prepares to lead the Catholic church, serve the neediest, and share God’s love.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said in his congratulations:
"The new Pope, Leo XIV, is more than just an American. His immediate ancestors are Latin: Spanish and French, and he lived 40 years in our Latin America, in Peru. I hope he becomes a great leader for migrants around the world, and I hope that he lifts up our Latino migrant brothers and sisters who are currently being humiliated by the U.S. It's time for them to organize. May he help us build the great force of humanity that defends life, and defeat the greed that has caused the climate crisis and the extinction of living things."
Many more congratulations from world leaders have been pouring out.
@AfroAmerica Network 2025
