In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Leo XIV, and becoming the first American-born pope in the Church’s 2,000-year history on May 8.
A 69-year-old member of the Augustinian order, Pope Leo XIV appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilicashortly after white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel at 6:07 p.m., signaling his election.
Wearing the traditional red cape — a garment Pope Francis had chosen not to wear in 2013 — Leo XIV greeted the cheering crowd of over 20,000 faithful with his first words: “Peace be with you.”
In a gesture of unity and humility, he reminded the world: “I am an Augustinian, but above all, I am a Christian and a bishop — so we can all walk together.” Speaking first in Italian and then in Spanish, he recalled his years of missionary service in Peru, where he also served as Archbishop of Chiclayo and became a Peruvian citizen in 2015.
Prior to his election, Leo XIV served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing episcopal appointments across the globe — one of the most influential roles in the Vatican.
He was also instrumental in advancing reforms initiated by Pope Francis, including the inclusion of women in the bishop selection process.
Born in Chicago, Leo XIV was twice elected Prior General of the Augustinian order, which traces its roots to St. Augustine.
Pope Francis brought him back to Rome in 2023, first as President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, and then elevated him to the Order of Bishops earlier this year — a sign of strong papal confidence in his leadership.
His election breaks long-standing unwritten conventions, particularly the notion that an American could not be pope due to the United States’ geopolitical influence.
Amid global reactions, former President Donald Trump posted on social media: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a great honor for our country.”
Back in Chiclayo, Rev. Fidel Purisaca Vigil, communications director for the diocese, fondly recalled Leo XIV’s humility: “No matter how many problems he has, he maintains good humor and joy.”
The bells of St. Peter’s rang out, nuns wept, and priests made the sign of the cross as the crowd shouted “Viva il Papa!” Flags from around the world waved in the square, marking the beginning of a new papal chapter — one rooted in missionary service, ecclesial reform, and hope.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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