Leo XIV becomes first US pontiff in Catholic Church history

AN AMERICAN cardinal has been elected as the new Pope, marking a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old prelate from Chicago, was chosen by the conclave of cardinals on today, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, who led the Church for more than a decade and was widely praised for his progressive stance on social issues.

White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:07pm local time, confirming that the 133 participating cardinal-electors had agreed upon a successor after two days of closed-door voting.

Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square with a message of “peace and unity,” thanking his predecessor and calling for compassion and dialogue in a time of global conflict and spiritual uncertainty.

The Herald understands that Cardinal Prevost was widely respected for his work as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and for his earlier missionary work in Peru. His election is being seen as a move to bridge divides within the Church and extend outreach to the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Born in Chicago to a French-Italian father and a Spanish mother, Leo XIV studied mathematics before joining the Order of St Augustine. His rise through the Vatican ranks was steady but marked by quiet diplomacy and a reputation for listening.

His appointment comes at a critical time. The Catholic Church continues to grapple with internal tensions over doctrine, the aftermath of clerical abuse scandals, and falling attendance in many Western nations.

Leo XIV’s first full day as pontiff will include private meetings with senior clergy and preparations for his formal inauguration Mass, expected to take place next week.

It is the first time in nearly 2,000 years of papal history that a Pope has come from the United States. While some traditionalists may be uneasy about the shift, many inside and outside the Church have welcomed the decision as a fresh chapter for Catholicism.

Archbishop Mark O’Toole recorded a special message in response to the election of Pope Leo XIV, following last night’s election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome.

“We were all deeply overjoyed to see the election of our new Pope, Leo XIV,” said Archbishop Mark. “His first words to us, ‘Peace be with you all,’ are deeply touching. As he himself indicated, these were the words of the Risen Christ.”

The Archbishop of Cardiff reflected on the spiritual importance of this moment for the Church. “The Pope’s first task is to announce to us the Good News of Jesus Christ and to be for us a sign of unity and deep connection with our Blessed Lord. For the last 19 days since the death of our beloved Pope Francis, the Church has felt somewhat bereft. Now, the Church is once more complete – and what a beloved Holy Father Pope Leo will be for us.”

Archbishop Mark highlighted Pope Leo’s wide-ranging pastoral and global experience, noting his ministry in both North and Latin America, and his 12 years in Rome as Prior General of the worldwide Augustinian Order.

“He has huge global experience,” said Archbishop Mark. “And I know he will bring this to bear on his new ministry. He is someone in continuity with the ministry of Pope Francis – committed to dialogue, bridge-building, and reaching out to those who feel far from God. Yet, with his choice of vesture—the red cape and priestly stole—he also reminds us of the continuity with the deeper traditions of our faith and the long line of his predecessors.”

Describing the symbolism of the red robes worn during his first appearance, the Archbishop added: “They are a sign to us of the richness, the fruit, and the witness of the martyrs. In wearing them, Pope Leo reminds us that he is not just the successor of Pope Francis, but the successor of St Peter – the one who gave his life for Christ.”

Archbishop Mark also offered a personal recollection: “Just two weeks ago, I attended the funeral of Pope Francis. The day before, I had the privilege of praying in St Peter’s before his body. Cardinal Prevost – as he was then – was entering St Peter’s. I said to him, ‘You are very much in my prayers in these days.’ He smiled and said, ‘You mustn’t believe all you read in the newspapers.’ I replied, ‘Nevertheless, you have my prayers.’”

“Whenever I have met him, he has struck me as a man of deep humility, of genuine goodness, a great listener, a person of immense integrity, strong intellect, and very deep faith.”

As the Church begins this new chapter under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Mark concluded with heartfelt prayer: “We ask the Lord to bless him and give him all the graces and gifts he needs to shepherd our Church and to be a sign of Jesus Christ in our world. He is indeed a Pope for all.”

A new era begins at the Vatican – and the eyes of the world are watching.