Cardinal Robert Prevost Becomes First American Pope, Taking the Name Leo XIV

Chicago-born pontiff pledges a “missionary church” focused on building bridges and dialogue

Vatican City, PUREWILAYAH.COM - In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the new pope, becoming the first American to hold the papacy. The 69-year-old, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, was introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on May 8, 2025.

Pope Leo XIV, originally from Chicago, has dedicated much of his life to missionary work in South America and previously served as a bishop in Peru. In his first address as pope, he emphasised his vision for a church that “builds bridges and dialogue,” calling for a renewed missionary spirit and greater engagement with the world.

“We have to seek together to be a missionary church. A church that builds bridges and dialogue,”

Pope Leo XIV told the crowd, highlighting the importance of unity and conversation within the global Catholic community.

The new pope also paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, and led the faithful in prayer. Cardinal Prevost was promoted to archbishop in 2023 and became a cardinal in 2024, marking a rapid rise within the church hierarchy.

As the new leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, Pope Leo XIV faces significant challenges, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, as well as pressing issues such as migration, climate change, religious freedom, and human rights. His leadership is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that religion remains a force for unity rather than division on the international stage.(PW)

Source: IRNA