Robert Prevost elected first American pope, takes name Leo XIV

Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago, was elected on Thursday as the new pope - the first American ever to ascend to the papacy.

According to Anadolu Ajansi, he will take the name Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time the papal name Leo has been used since the 19th century.

The newly elected pontiff appeared on the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to deliver his first address as pope.

Prevost’s election reflects his American roots and his strong ties to Latin America, particularly Peru, where he served for many years as a missionary before becoming an archbishop.

He holds dual American and Peruvian nationality and is remembered for his commitment to marginalised communities and for fostering unity within the local church.

“Together we must try to find out how to be a church that builds bridges, establishes dialogue, and is open to receiving everybody,” he told the crowd.

Born in Chicago in 1955, Prevost was ordained as a priest in 1982 after serving as an altar boy in his youth. A member of the Augustinian Order, he moved to Peru at the age of 30 on a mission for the order.

His dedication led to his appointment as Bishop of Chicago by Pope Francis a year into Francis’ pontificate.

With 80 percent of the cardinals in the conclave appointed by Francis, his election is seen as a vote for continuity, particularly along the reformist path set by the former pope.

Leo XIV’s Latin American ties and pastoral focus are viewed as a continuation of Francis’ legacy.

Well wishes pouring in

President Donald Trump congratulated Prevost on his election as the new pope, calling it “a great honour” for the United States.

“It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American pope. What excitement, and what a great honour for our country.

“I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, AA reported.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump called the moment “a great honour” for the United States.

“To have the pope from the United States of America, that's a great honour, that's a great honour. I was watching it and they said, he’s from America. I said, ‘That’s great,’” he said.

When asked whether he intends to meet Pope Leo XIV, Trump confirmed, “I do. They’ve already called.”

On a similar note, United Nations secretary-general António Guterres also extended his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV and to Catholics around the world.

“The election of a new pope is a moment of profound spiritual significance for millions of faithful around the world, and it comes at a time of great global challenges,” said Guterres in a statement issued by his spokesperson’s office.

“Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion,” he added.

Highlighting the longstanding cooperation between the UN and the Holy See, Guterres said, “I look forward to building on the long legacy of cooperation between the UN and the Holy See - nurtured most recently by Pope Francis -- to advance solidarity, foster reconciliation, and build a just and sustainable world for all.”

- Bernama

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