American Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV in Historic Vatican First
By Kardo Roj
ROME, Italy (North Press) –
In an unprecedented moment for the global Catholic Church, American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected on Thursday as the new pope, taking the name Leo XIV and becoming the first-ever American to assume the papacy.
The historic announcement came after white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney earlier in the day—signaling that the College of Cardinals had reached consensus during the conclave. Soon after, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out in celebration as thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square to witness the public unveiling of the Church’s new spiritual leader.
Pope Leo XIV, 69, hails from Chicago and was a close advisor to the late Pope Francis. Known within Vatican circles for his moderate stance and diplomatic skill, he is widely seen as a bridge-builder capable of navigating internal Church divisions and global challenges.
Leo XIV’s election marks several firsts—not only is he the first American pontiff, but also the first to adopt the papal name “Leo” in over a century. The last pope to bear the name was Leo XIII, whose papacy ended in 1903. By choosing Leo XIV, Prevost signals continuity with a legacy known for social teaching and intellectual openness.
The new pope brings with him a deep background in theology and pastoral service, having previously led missions in Latin America and served in key leadership roles within the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops.
His election comes at a time of increasing polarization within the Church on issues ranging from LGBTQ+ inclusion and clerical abuse reform to global migration and interfaith dialogue. Observers expect Pope Leo XIV to continue Pope Francis’s efforts at reform while potentially placing greater emphasis on unity and doctrinal clarity.
The news of the papal election drew swift responses from global leaders. U.S. President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to celebrate the moment, writing, “It is a great honor to know that the first American pope has been chosen. What a wonderful feeling and a great pride for our country.”
Trump also expressed anticipation for a future meeting with Pope Leo XIV, suggesting the election may bolster U.S.-Vatican relations in a period of global geopolitical flux.
While the Catholic population in Syria and the broader Middle East remains relatively small, the region holds profound historical and spiritual importance for the Church. The selection of a pope with a global perspective and diplomatic experience could play a role in addressing religious tensions and advocating for persecuted communities, including Christians in war-affected areas.
In Damascus and other parts of Syria, Catholic and other Christian communities have faced immense hardship during more than a decade of conflict. Though the Vatican maintains a traditionally neutral stance on conflicts, the moral authority of the papacy can influence humanitarian discourse and interreligious coexistence efforts.
Pope Leo XIV now faces the daunting task of steering a 1.3-billion-member institution through an era of doctrinal disputes, social transformation, and global upheaval. His leadership will likely be tested on multiple fronts, from the role of women in the Church to the digitalization of faith outreach.
Nevertheless, his American roots and reputation as a consensus-builder offer the potential for renewed engagement with both the faithful and secular audiences worldwide.
As bells continue to echo across Vatican City, a new chapter begins for the Roman Catholic Church under the guidance of its first pope from the Western Hemisphere.