From Christians Gokyo Jos
A historic moment unfolded today in Vatican City as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American-born prelate, has been chosen as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, succeeding the late Pope Francis.
Now officially known as Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Prevost becomes the first-ever pope from the United States and the first North American to ascend to the papacy. His election came after three days of deliberation by the College of Cardinals, which has been in conclave since May 7.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV holds dual citizenship as a naturalized Peruvian since 2015. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA), his religious journey began in 1978 when he took his first vows, followed by solemn vows in 1981. He was ordained as a priest on June 19, 1982, by Archbishop Jean Jadot.
Educated in both the United States and Rome, the new pope earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977, a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 1982, and later obtained a Licentiate (1984) and Doctorate (1987) in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome.
Pope Leo XIV brings to the papacy a distinguished record of ecclesiastical leadership and multicultural ministry. Between 1985 and 1998, he served as a missionary and educator in Peru, where he was a parish pastor, seminary rector, and canon law professor. He later became the Provincial of the Augustinian Province of Chicago (1999–2001) and went on to serve two terms as the Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine (2001–2013).
He was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2015, a position he held until 2023, after which he was named the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing global episcopal appointments. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals on September 30, 2023, becoming a Cardinal-Deacon, and was later promoted to Cardinal-Bishop in 2025.
Seen as a strong contender for the papacy due to his blend of pastoral experience, canonical expertise, and cross-cultural fluency, Pope Leo XIV’s election is expected to usher in a new chapter in the Catholic Church’s global mission. His leadership is especially noted for bridging relationships between the Church in North and South America.
As faithful across the world celebrate his election, Pope Leo XIV is poised to navigate the Church through complex challenges while continuing the reformist legacy of his predecessor. His tenure begins at a time of both hope and uncertainty, with many looking to his leadership for unity, renewal, and global outreach.
The Vatican is expected to announce the details of his inaugural Mass and future engagements in the coming days.
