Vatican City: Robert Prevost has been elected as the new pope, the first American ever to ascend to the papacy. Sixty-nine-year-old cardinal will take the name Pope Leo XIV marking the first time the name "Leo" has been used since the 19th century. Emerging at the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica after a white smoke rose from Sistine Chapel on Thursday, Pope Leo's first words were to call for peace and 'building bridges.' "Peace be with all of you," said the newly elected pontiff, following Pope Francis's death on April 21.
According to Anadolu Agency, Prevost was born in Chicago in 1955 and spent his early years in the US, studying Mathematics, Philosophy, and Theology before being sent to Rome by his superiors at the Catholic Theological Union. He was ordained a priest in 1982 in Rome and obtained his licentiate in 1984. A year later, Prevost was dispatched to an Augustinian mission in Peru, where he served in various roles including community prior, formation director, professor, and judicial vicar between 1988 and 1998.
Returning to Chicago in 1999, he was elected provincial prior of the Augustinian Province of 'Mother of Good Counsel,' and subsequently, two and a half years later, elected as prior general of the Augustinians. Prevost's election underscores his strong connections to Latin America, particularly Peru, as he also possesses Peruvian nationality. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as apostolic administrator in Peru and then as the bishop of Chiclayo in the following year.
Prevost's commitment led to his return to Rome in 2023, where he assumed the presidency of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, promoted with the rank of archbishop and the responsibility of selecting bishops. That same year, he was elevated to Cardinal by Francis.
Prevost is known for his participation in the late pontiff's Apostolic Journeys and shares similar visions concerning the environment and outreach to marginalized communities. With 80% of the cardinals in the conclave appointed by Francis, his election represents a choice for continuity, especially along the reformist path established by the former pope. Leo XIV's ties to Latin America and his pastoral focus suggest a continuation of Francis' legacy.
Despite his American roots, his Peruvian citizenship positions him as an international candidate, especially given his stance on US administration policies. According to media reports, the new pontiff has expressed criticism of US President Donald Trump and his immigration policies. Prevost is also reported to have disapproved of US Vice President JD Vance's statements on prioritizing one's community before the world, labeling it as 'wrong.'