Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, 69, has been elected by the College of Cardinals as the 266th successor to St. Peter—the Bishop of Rome and the new Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
With heartfelt warmth, his first words as pontiff were, “Peace be with all of you!” He will be known to the world as Pope Leo XIV.
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV makes history as the first American ever elected to the papacy. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, marking a remarkable journey of faith and service.
