Pope Leo XIV Becomes First American Pontiff, Marks Historic Catholic Milestone

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, made history as the first American pope in the Catholic Church's over 2,000-year history, eliciting widespread excitement and hope across religious and political leaders. Born in Chicago with extensive missionary experience in Peru and service within the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV is viewed as a bridge builder among continents, bringing a global perspective to his papacy. Catholic leaders and organizations praised his humility, spirituality, and commitment to human dignity, emphasizing his role in continuing the church's outreach worldwide amid modern challenges such as hunger and migration. World leaders welcomed his election as a call for peace, fraternity, and responsibility during a time of global conflict and ideological divides within the church. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed pride and eagerness to meet the new pontiff, highlighting the historic significance for the country. Pope Leo XIV's first address underscored the church’s mission to be charitable and dialogical, signaling continuity with Pope Francis’s inclusive approach.