Habemus Papam: Robert Prevost Elected New Pope, Takes the Name Leo XIV

Robert Prevost Will Be the New Pope

This was confirmed following the announcement at the Vatican.

He is the second American pontiff.

On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church received with joy the announcement of Habemus Papam: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Martínez, originally from Chicago, Illinois, was elected the new pontiff following the death of Pope Francis.

He will take the name Leo XIV, becoming the first Augustinian pope and the second American pontiff in the history of the Church.

Prevost, 69, had served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since January 2023.

His election came after two days of deliberation in the conclave that brought together 133 cardinal-electors in the Sistine Chapel.

Robert Prevost Will Be the New Pope

Habemus Papam! We have a Pope!
The Cardinals gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope, who took the name Pope Leo XIV.
pic.twitter.com/7coowskvwu
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025

The election was announced by the traditional white smoke, signaling to the world that the cardinals had reached the necessary consensus.

Robert Prevost was born in Chicago to a Spanish mother and belongs to the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.), becoming the first member of this religious order to assume the papacy.

His pastoral training and mission include years of service in Latin America, particularly in Peru, where he served as Bishop of Chiclayo.

As reported by CNN.

Prevost is known for his pastoral profile, his closeness to Latin American communities, and his deep commitment to synodality and intercultural dialogue within the Church.

His First Message as Pontiff: «Peace Be With You All»

??| Historic moment: Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost) speaking in SPANISH during his first public address.

He lived more than 18 years in Peru.
pic.twitter.com/goepnea1e5
— Agustín Antonetti (@agusantonetti) May 8, 2025

“Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ and the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for God’s flock,” said Pope Leo XIV.

He began by saying: “I hope this greeting of peace reaches your hearts and extends to all peoples, to the whole world: peace be with you.”

“We still carry in our ears the soft yet always courageous voice of Pope Francis as he blessed Rome,” he said from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace in Rome.

He also took the opportunity to greet Peru and Chicago—in Spanish.

More than 100,000 people were present at the announcement of Pope Robert Prevost.

What Comes Next

Robert Francis Prevost from the U.S. has been elected as the 267th Pope.
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— Pop Base (@PopBase) May 8, 2025

The election of an American pope with Hispanic roots and Latin American experience could have a significant impact on the Church’s global direction.

His profile represents a continuation of Pope Francis’ pastoral vision, but with a North American and Augustinian perspective that promises a phase of openness, order, and reflection.

As reported by CNN.

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