US Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as the 267th Pope, Becomes Pope Leo XIV

Moneylife Digital Team 09 May 2025

Consumer Interest

In a historic and unexpected decision, US cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope, taking the name Leo XIV, and making history as the first American to lead the world’s 1.4bn (billion) Catholics.

I announce to you a great joy;
we have a Pope:
The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord,
Lord Robert Francis
Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost
who has taken the name Leo XIV.

Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announces that the Cardinals have elected Cardinal Robert… pic.twitter.com/u3lDDlk1L4
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025

The announcement came just over an hour after the traditional white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signalling that the 133 cardinal electors had successfully chosen a new pope. The declaration, ‘Habemus Papam’ (We have a Pope), was made by French cardinal Dominique Mamberti from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to tens of thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo XIV, 69, hails from Chicago and brings with him a wealth of international experience. A member of the Augustinian order, he served for years as a missionary in South America and holds dual citizenship in the US and Peru, where he previously served as a bishop. Most recently, he led the Vatican’s influential office responsible for the appointment of bishops worldwide.

His election marks a significant milestone for the global Catholic community, which now numbers over 1.4bn. Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away last month after a transformative 12-year papacy.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, was known for ushering in a wave of reform and encouraging open discussion on previously taboo subjects, including the ordination of women and the inclusion of LGBTQ Catholics.

The cardinals entering the conclave were divided, with some advocating a continuation of Pope Francis' reformist vision and others favouring a return to more traditionalist values. Pope Leo XIV’s leadership is expected to reflect a balance, building on Pope Francis' legacy while potentially introducing his own perspectives shaped by years of pastoral service across continents.

Pope Leo XIV’s appearance on the central balcony of the Basilica marked not only a new chapter in Church leadership but also a moment of significance for American Catholics, who for the first time saw one of their own at the helm of the Vatican.

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