In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope on May 8, 2025, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election marks the first time an American-born cardinal has ascended to the papacy. The conclave began just a day earlier, on May 7, and concluded after only four ballots, a sign of swift consensus among the 133 voting cardinals.

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine and was ordained a priest in 1982. He spent over two decades in Peru, where he served as a missionary, seminary professor, and eventually as the bishop of Chiclayo. In 2023, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the Vatican's most influential roles, giving him global oversight of bishop appointments.

His deep ties to both North and South America earned him the nickname “Latin Yankee” in Rome. Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name pays homage to Pope Leo XIII, known for championing social justice and workers’ rights, signaling a similar commitment to progressive yet unifying values.

After the traditional "Habemus Papam" announcement from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV appeared to deliver his first blessing and called for unity, compassion, and renewed faith. His election has been welcomed as a potential bridge between the Church's various ideological wings, setting the stage for a papacy focused on healing divisions and addressing global challenges with humility and hope.