Chicago Cardinal Elected Pope Leo XIV: A US First, But How 'American' Will He Be?

Chicago's Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, is the first US-born pontiff elected May 8, 2025. A missionary focused on unity and peace, he succeeds Pope Francis, prioritizing climate and serving the poor.

Headline: Leo XIV Elected as First American Pope

What Happened:

• Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old from Chicago, has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born pontiff. The election took place on May 8, 2025.

About Pope Leo XIV:

• He has global experience, having spent much of his career as a missionary in South America.
• He holds dual citizenship in the US and Peru, where he served as a bishop.
• Most recently, he led a Vatican office for bishop appointments.
• He is expected to build on Pope Francis’ reforms.

Key Facts About Pope Leo XIV:

1. "Least American" of American Cardinals: Despite being born in Chicago, he was considered the "least American" among the US cardinals within the Vatican.
2. Well-Regarded by Pope Francis: The late Pope Francis "respected him and thought of him very highly" and saw him as a capable leader.
3. Member of the Augustinian Order: He is a member of the Augustinian religious order and led it for over a decade.
4. Strong Leadership Experience: He served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
5. Missionary Focus: He considers himself a missionary, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel.

First Remarks as Pope:

• From the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, he called for peace and paid tribute to the late Pope Francis.
• He emphasized the importance of a unified church and that God loves everyone unconditionally.
• He quoted St. Augustine: “For you, I am a bishop, with you, after all, I am a Christian.”

Global Reaction:

• World leaders have expressed eagerness to work with Pope Leo XIV on global issues.
• US President Donald Trump called the historic selection a great honor for the country.
• Former US President Joe Biden said he believes Pope Leo XIV is “going to keep moving the church in the direction (of) being more ecumenical in reaching out.”

Priorities:

• Climate and service to the poor are expected to be among his top priorities.

Middle East Messaging:

• His stance on conflicts in the Middle East remains unclear, though congratulatory messages have been received from Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

Controversy:

• An X account under the name of Robert Prevost previously posted an article critical of Vice President JD Vance on immigration. The authenticity of the account is unconfirmed.

Voting Record:

• Voting records show that Pope Leo XIV voted in 4 general elections and 3 Republican primaries in Illinois.

Reactions:

• Young Catholics in Washington, DC, celebrated his election, calling for unity and peace in the church.
• Local and state leaders in Illinois celebrated the historic moment of the first American pope from Chicago.

Papal Name:

• Leo is tied for the fourth most common name chosen by popes. The last Pope Leo was Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903. The name derives from the Latin for "lion," suggesting strength and courage.

First Public Acts:

• Pope Leo XIV will lead the Angelus on Sunday.