Robert Francis Prevost elected first American pope.
At 7:14 pm Rome time, an hour after the white smoke issued forth, the cardinal pronto-deacon, Dominique Mamberti came to the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to announce to the world the name of the new pope: Cardinal Robert Prevost, O.S.A., who has chosen to known by Leo XIV.
The first American-born pope, Leo XIV came onto the balcony to roars from the crowd. His first words as Holy Father were in Italian: “Peace be with all of you!”
Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old new pontiff was appointed by Pope Francis in 2023 to lead the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most influential roles in the church, where he oversaw the selection of bishops worldwide. Before his time in Rome, he served as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and played a key role in strengthening church leadership across Latin America.
We, the faithful of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, rejoice with all the faithful worldwide at the election of our new Pope Leo XVI. In this moment of grace, we give thanks to the Holy Spirit for guiding the Catholic Church and entrusting her to a shepherd who will lead us with faith, wisdom and love. Let us unite in prayer for our new shepherd, that he may serve in humility and strength. May God bless Pope Leo XIV and sustain him in this sacred mission.