In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost was elected the first American pope on Thursday, emerging onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica as Pope Leo XIV.
The 69-year-old pontiff, originally from Chicago, now assumes full authority over the Roman Catholic Church and its estimated 1.4 billion members worldwide.
His election marks a turning point in Church history and has been described by some observers as a potential catalyst for a spiritual renewal across the West.
Crowds in the thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square to witness the announcement and receive the newly elected pope’s first Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and the World”) blessing. “Peace be with all you,” Pope Leo XIV declared in his opening words, greeted by cheers and the waving of flags beneath the floodlit basilica.
The new pope paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away last month. “As our beloved Francis did in his final appearance here, I too wish to offer my blessing to the people,” he said.
Delivering parts of his address in Italian and Spanish, Pope Leo XIV highlighted his global experience, notably his years as a missionary and later Archbishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru. He spoke of the importance of “building bridges with dialogue” in an increasingly divided world.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will celebrate his first Mass as pontiff at 11am local time (10am BST) on Friday. Additionally, he will hold an audience with members of the global media on Monday, where he is expected to outline his early priorities.
Pope Leo’s election was met with an outpouring of excitement in both the United States and Latin America, reflecting his unique transcontinental ministry. Church officials and analysts alike are watching closely as the first American pope begins his papacy during a time of transformation and challenge for global Christianity.
