Leo XIV Elected as New Pope, Becomes First American Pontiff
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, signaling to the world that a new pope had been chosen. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American and the former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, has been elected the 267th Bishop of Rome. He took the papal name Leo XIV, becoming the first pope from the Augustinian order and the U.S.
Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti delivered the historic “Habemus Papam” announcement from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica as thousands gathered in Vatican Square to witness the moment. Appearing shortly after, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd with his first words: “Peace be with all of you!”
Born Sept. 14, 1955, in Chicago, Leo XIV is the son of Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martinez. He entered the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977, making his solemn vows in 1981. Ordained in Rome in 1982, he later earned a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
A seasoned missionary, Leo XIV spent more than a decade in Peru, where he served as a parish priest, formation director, and judicial vicar in the Archdiocese of Trujillo. He was elected Provincial Prior in Chicago in 1999 and then served two terms as Prior General of the Augustinians.
Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014. He was ordained a bishop that December and led the diocese until 2023. He also served as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Callao and held multiple leadership roles within the Peruvian Episcopal Conference. In 2023, Pope Francis named him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and made him a cardinal later that year. As a cardinal, Leo XIV participated in the Synod on Synodality and several Vatican commissions, including those for evangelization and doctrine.
Leo XIV’s episcopal motto, “In Illo uno unum” ? “In the One, we are one” ? reflects his Augustinian roots and commitment to unity. His election is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’ emphasis on a pastoral and missionary approach to leadership, with a renewed focus on humility, service, and care for the marginalized.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, the faithful gathered at Augustinian parishes to pray and celebrate the elevation of one of their own, while in Peru, crowds in Trujillo and Chiclayo held Masses in honor of the former missionary bishop. Both nations rejoiced at the historic moment, proud of the pope who bridges North and South America.
The world now turns its attention to Leo XIV as he begins his papacy, guiding the Catholic Church into a new chapter.
Luis Apolo Staff Reporter teen/1747787027/1613367592
1. Where was Pope Leo XIV born?
2. Which religious order does Leo XIV belong to?
3. Where did Leo XIV serve as a missionary?
4. Why are people in Peru celebrating Leo XIV?
1. How would you feel seeing a new leader chosen?
2. What kind of leader do you admire?
3. Have you visited a church or cathedral?
4. Would you like to help others in different countries?
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, signaling to the world that a new pope had been chosen. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American and the former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, has been elected the 267th Bishop of Rome. He took the papal name Leo XIV, becoming the first pope from the Augustinian order and the U.S.
