Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native, has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American-born pope to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. Chosen on Thursday, after two days of conclave by 133 cardinals, Prevost appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, declaring, “Peace be with you all,” to a crowd of approximately 150,000, according to Italian officials.
White smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney signaled the election, followed by the ringing of St. Peter’s Basilica’s bells. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”) from the balcony, marking the end of deliberations to select a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025. Prevost’s election, defying expectations of a non-American pope due to the United States’ global influence, reflects his extensive international experience, particularly in Peru.
Born in Chicago, Prevost earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova University in 1977 and a diploma in theology from the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago. Ordained a priest in 1982, he studied canon law in Rome and taught at a seminary in Trujillo, Peru. He served as a missionary in Peru for over a decade, later becoming bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023, and received Peruvian citizenship in 2015. In the Vatican, he led the Dicastery for Bishops, appointed by Francis, and served as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. A member of the Augustinian order, he was its prior general for over a decade.
Prevost chose the name Leo XIV, evoking predecessors like Pope Leo I (440–461 AD), known for promoting peace and reportedly dissuading Attila the Hun from invading Italy, and Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903), who issued Rerum Novarum, an encyclical advocating workers’ rights and social justice. In his first address, delivered in Italian, Spanish, and Latin, Prevost called for a “missionary church” that “builds bridges and dialogue.” He urged Catholics to “show our charity” and engage “in dialogue with love,” as reported by CNN. Paying tribute to Francis, he recalled the late pope’s final Easter address, saying, “We still hold in our ears that weak yet ever courageous voice of Pope Francis as he blessed Rome,” according to NBC News. Speaking in Spanish, he thanked his “beloved diocese” in Chiclayo, Peru.
Reactions to Prevost’s election came swiftly. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social, “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.” Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, posted on X, “I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church.” Former President Barack Obama, a fellow Chicagoan, stated on X, “Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.” Peruvian President Dina Boluarte called the election a “historic moment,” noting Prevost “sowed hope” in Peru, as reported by CNN. At Villanova University, President Rev. Peter Donohue told MSNBC, “Not in my wildest dreams” did he expect a Villanova alumnus to become pope.
Protestant voices expressed skepticism about the papacy and Prevost’s election, reflecting historical Reformed opposition to the Roman Catholic Church. Matt Walsh, a Roman Catholic and host at The Daily Wire, posted on X, urging Catholics to see Prevost’s election as “ordained by God” and avoid judging him through a “modern political lens.” Walsh stated, “I want to see what he actually does with his papacy before I pass any kind of judgment,” adding that he will pray for the new pope and the Church. Rich Lusk, pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama, responded on X, “Always interesting to see Roman Catholics use their private judgment to assess the pope,” highlighting the irony of Walsh’s individual discernment, given Roman Catholic criticism of Protestants for relying on personal interpretation rather than church authority.
Robert Gagnon, a biblical scholar teaching at Wesley Biblical Seminary, wrote on X that Prevost “appears to be almost a Francis clone, located theologically and politically close to where Francis was.” Gagnon cited a tweet from Prevost three months prior, stating, “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others,” suggesting a rebuke of immigration policies. Gabriel Hughes, pastor at Providence Reformed Baptist Church in Casa Grande, Arizona, posted on X, “They’re all antichrists,” quoting Pope Leo XIII’s claim, “We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty,” to argue the papacy usurps Christ’s authority.
Historically, Reformed confessions have identified the pope as the “antichrist.” The 1647 Westminster Confession, the 1658 Savoy Declaration, and the 1689 London Baptist Confession all declare the pope as “that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition” who exalts himself against Christ, though some modern Reformed churches take exceptions to this stance. These confessions assert that Jesus Christ alone is the head of the church.
Pope Leo XIV faces challenges, including navigating global conflicts and the 2025 jubilee year, a period of Vatican-organized celebrations. The ongoing clerical sex abuse scandal, unresolved despite Francis’ efforts, may also draw scrutiny, with Prevost previously stating to Vatican News that “there is still much to learn” in combating abuse.
