On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church made history with the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. Announced by @VaticanNews on X, this election marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy, signaling a new era for the global Catholic community. The announcement, accompanied by a series of images and subtitles from the papal announcement video, has captured the attention of millions worldwide, with reactions ranging from celebration to reflection on the Church’s future direction.
See post:
I announce to you a great joy;
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025
we have a Pope:
The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord,
Lord Robert Francis
Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost
who has taken the name Leo XIV.
Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announces that the Cardinals have elected Cardinal Robert… pic.twitter.com/u3lDDlk1L4
The election of Pope Leo XIV was formally announced by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The traditional Latin phrase “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”) was uttered, followed by the full announcement: > “I announce to you a great joy; we have a Pope: The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord, Lord Robert Francis Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost who has taken the name Leo XIV.”
Read also: Pope Francis passes on at age 88
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, brings a unique background to the papacy. Before his election, he served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since 2023. His career trajectory includes:
– Early Life and Education: Prevost earned a degree in mathematics and a doctorate in canon law, laying a strong foundation for his ecclesiastical roles.
– Missionary Work in Peru: He spent years as a missionary in Peru, serving as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023, where he focused on community development and pastoral care.
– Vatican Leadership: Appointed a cardinal in 2023 by Pope Francis, Prevost’s role in the Dicastery for Bishops positioned him as a key figure in global Church governance. His election as Pope Leo XIV is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’s emphasis on humility, dialogue, and service to the poor, qualities Prevost demonstrated throughout his career.
The election of Pope Leo XIV as the first American pope is a historic milestone for the Catholic Church. With over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, this event underscores the Church’s global reach and its evolving leadership.
The election of Pope Leo XIV followed the traditional papal conclave, a process that began after the death of Pope Francis. The conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel, involved cardinals under 80 years old voting in secret ballots until a two-thirds majority was reached.
