New Pope Emerges: Cardinal Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV, Delivers Inaugural Address
By Chizoba Njaka
The College of Cardinals has elected Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, marking a historic milestone as the first American to hold the office. Taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV, he was announced by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who proclaimed "Habemus Papam" in Latin, signaling the successful conclusion of the papal conclave.
Pope Leo XIV's election follows two days of voting by the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, with white smoke rising from the chimney indicating a new pope had been chosen. The crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square erupted in applause and cheers of "Leon, Leon" as the new pope appeared on the central loggia.
As the first United State-born pope in the Church's two-millennium history, Pope Leo XIV's election highlights the growing global diversity of the Catholic Church and the increasing influence of the New World in Vatican affairs. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is an Augustinian friar and a Villanova University alumnus, known for his humility and gentle spirit.
Going by his biography; Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, chosen for his kinship with Pope Leo XIII, known for opening the Church to the world was born in Chicago, Illinois, with Peruvian citizenship, and served as Archbishop of Chiclayo in Peru.
He obtained Bachelor's degree from Villanova University and doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Appointments so far: Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, appointed by Pope Francis in 2023 and was elevated to cardinal in September 2023 and cardinal-bishop shortly after.
In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV conveyed a message of peace and unity, emphasizing the importance of fearless dialogue and mutual respect among all people. He reaffirmed his commitment to building bridges and fostering inclusivity, in line with the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis. As an Augustinian priest, Pope Leo XIV stressed that his primary identity is as a Christian and a bishop, calling for collective progress and unity.
The Pope delivered his address in Italian, followed by Spanish, fondly recalling his experiences as a missionary and archbishop in Chiclayo, Peru. During his tenure, he earned recognition for his pastoral care and grassroots outreach efforts. His words underscored a theme of unity, which is expected to characterize his papacy.
Pope Leo XIV's message emphasized the importance of walking together, highlighting his commitment to ecumenism, interfaith dialogue, and social cohesion. His leadership style and pastoral approach are anticipated to shape the future direction of the Catholic Church.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Anthony Prevost, is the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and marks a historic milestone as the first Pope from the United States. Born on April 12, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri, he is the eldest of five children in a devout Catholic family. His parents, a high school teacher and a nurse, instilled in him a strong sense of service and faith.
Prevost's academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Saint Louis University, which he completed in 1977. He subsequently entered the Augustinian seminary in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1983. Soon after, he volunteered for missionary work in Latin America, serving in Peru for twelve years. During his tenure, he provided pastoral care to remote parishes around Chiclayo, establishing schools and organizing healthcare clinics. He also acquired proficiency in Spanish and Quechua to effectively minister to indigenous communities.
Then, in 1995, Robert Prevost obtained a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome. Upon his return to Peru, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Chiclayo in 2000, and subsequently elevated to Archbishop in 2005.
During his tenure as Archbishop, Prevost adopted a pastoral approach characterized by humility and direct engagement. He visited parishes on foot or by bus, demonstrating his commitment to grassroots ministry. Notably, he initiated food security programs to support vulnerable communities. Furthermore, he played a key role in resolving local conflicts, successfully negotiating the release of kidnapped villagers during a period of civil unrest.
In 2016, Pope Francis elevated Robert Prevost to the rank of cardinal. As a member of the College of Cardinals, Prevost served on key Vatican dicasteries, including the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. His unique blend of cultural experiences, shaped by his time in Latin America, earned him recognition for his ability to bridge diverse perspectives.
Prevost was known for his low-key demeanor and preference for quiet, behind-the-scenes leadership. He fostered a sense of community through informal evening prayer sessions with young religious and seminarians. His colleagues valued his diplomatic calm, pastoral sensitivity, and attentive listening style.
On May 8, 2025, following a conclave in the Sistine Chapel, Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV, securing the required two-thirds majority after four ballots. The announcement was signaled by white smoke rising from St. Peter's Basilica, and the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square greeted the news with enthusiasm. As Pope Leo XIV, he delivered a message of peace and unity, calling for fearless dialogue and collective progress.