A New Era Begins: Robert Prevost, the First American Pope
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Catholic Church elects Robert Prevost as its new leader - Pope-elect: American Robert Prevost Takes the Throne of St. Peter
The Catholic Church has a new leader: 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost, also known as Pope Leo XIV, was elected as the 1.4 billion Catholics' head after a quick 24-hour conclave. This marks the first time a Pope hails from the United States.
Stepping onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at 7:13 PM, Leo XIV greeted the crowd of over 100,000 people, his voice echoing with peace and unity, "Salve a voi tutti, cari fratelli e sorelle."
As a nod to his immediate precedent, he acknowledged the love of God, stating, "Evil shall not prevail. Let us move forward without fear, hand in hand with God and with each other. Help us build bridges to the world. Thank you, Pope Francis."
Holding a prominent role in the Vatican's power structure, the Curia, Prevost previously served as a Peruvian missionary and bishop, along with being the General Prior of the Augustinian Order. Known for his prowess at bridging the gap between conservative and reform-minded factions within the Church, he was considered a favorite, though not the top contender before the conclave, and enjoyed a close relationship with Francis.
U.S. President Donald Trump, one of the first to offer congratulations, shared his thoughts on Truth Social, expressing his pride in having the first American Pope, though Trump had secretly favored U.S. cardinal Raymond Burke.
At 6:08 PM, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, signaling a two-thirds majority agreement among the 133 cardinals from around the world, after only four rounds of voting. The jubilation on St. Peter's Square was palpable as the bells of St. Peter's Basilica and countless churches worldwide rang out in celebration.
Italian Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's former number two and fifth favorite, did not secure the throne. The Italians had hoped for another Italian Pope after almost half a century of Polish, German, and Argentine pontiffs. Other expected favorites like Luis Antonio Tagle and Jean-Marc Aveline remain as cardinals.
In his first appearance, Pope Leo XIV donned white robes in the sacristy of the chapel, with all the cardinals swearing their allegiance. After a joint prayer, he made his way to the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, where the French cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced the historic announcement, "Habemus Papam."
Unlike his predecessor, Pope Francis, the new Pontiff sported a gold brocade stole in his debut, raising speculation about the continuation of Francis' simplified lifestyle choices regarding housing arrangements.
With American flags proudly waving on St. Peter's Square, Leo XIV is the 267th Pope in two millennia of Church history. The people of Rome and the world eagerly anticipate his first public speech and the commencement of his leadership.
- Pope
- USA
- Conclave
- Leo XIV.
- Catholic Church
- Robert Francis Prevost
- St. Peter's Square
- Donald Trump
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Robert Prevost
- Vatican
- Italy
- Bishop
- Global Reach
- Pontiff
- Governing Style
- Continuity and Change
- Transitional Period
- The newly elected Pope, Robert Francis Prevost, also known as Pope Leo XIV, is the first American to lead the Catholic Church with a global reach.
- Leo XIV was chosen as the 1.4 billion Catholics' head after a quick 24-hour conclave, marking the first time a Pope hails from the United States.
- Prevost, a prominent figure in the Vatican's power structure, the Curia, used to serve as a Peruvian missionary and bishop, and was the General Prior of the Augustinian Order.
- After the closing of the conclave at 6:08 PM, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, signaling a two-thirds majority agreement among the 133 cardinals from around the world.
- U.S. President Donald Trump, one of the first to offer congratulations, shared his thoughts on Truth Social, expressing his pride in having the first American Pope.
- Stepping onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at 7:13 PM, Leo XIV greeted the crowd of over 100,000 people, donning white robes, and swearing allegiance from all the cardinals gathered.
- The world eagerly anticipates Leo XIV's first public speech and the commencement of his leadership, with American flags proudly waving on St. Peter's Square as he becomes the 267th Pope in two millennia of Church history.
