Cardinal Prevost Becomes First American-Born Pope

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American-born pontiff in the nearly 2,000-year history of the Roman Catholic Church. His election has generated surprise and joy among Catholics in the United States, who see it as a significant milestone. Pope Leo XIV is noted for his missionary work in Peru, leadership of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, and dedication to dialogue and service to the marginalized. Many observers hope he will continue Pope Francis’s legacy of inclusion and reform. Political and religious leaders, as well as parishioners, have expressed pride in his background and optimism for unity and compassion under his leadership. The moment is widely viewed as historic for both the Church and the United States.