History is made—The first American Pope’s speaks his first words to the world
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History was made in Rome this week, and the world is still buzzing. For the first time in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history, an American has been elected pope.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native with deep roots in Latin America, has taken the name Pope Leo XIV—and his very first words as pontiff sent a message of peace that’s resonating far beyond the walls of the Vatican.
A Moment Centuries in the Making
In an unprecedented moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—a seasoned Vatican official and former missionary—was elected Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, becoming the first American to hold the papacy in the Church’s 2,000-year history.
A 69-year-old Chicago native and member of the Augustinian religious order, Pope Leo XIV chose a name rooted in legacy and strength.
At exactly 6:07 pm local time, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out, signaling the election of the Church’s new leader.
Tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers, waving flags, crossing themselves, and shouting “Viva il papa!”
Soon after, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti stepped onto the loggia of the basilica and made the formal declaration:
"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."
Earlier ballots on Wednesday and Thursday had ended inconclusively, signaled by plumes of black smoke. On Thursday evening, the cardinals achieved the necessary two-thirds majority—89 out of 133 votes—to elect a new pontiff.
Pope Leo XIV’s First Words to the World
Making his first appearance as pope, Leo XIV wore the traditional red mozzetta cape—a garment rejected by his predecessor, Pope Francis, in 2013. The choice was seen as a symbolic return to tradition.
(Speaking in Italian):
"Peace be with you. Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God."
He wished that this message of peace would enter people’s hearts and homes around the globe: "Peace be with you." He described it as a "disarming and humble and preserving peace... God, who loves all of us, without any limits or conditions."
Referencing Pope Francis, he said: "Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome."
"God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God."
Identifying with his spiritual heritage, he said: "I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian. He said, 'with you I am a Christian, for you a bishop'. So may we all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us."
To the Church of Rome, he offered a special message about inclusivity and openness: "We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square."
(Speaking in Spanish):
"Hello to all and especially to those of my diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, a loyal, faithful people accompanying the bishop and helping the bishop."
(Returning to Italian):
"We want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering."
Marking the Supplicatio to Our Lady of Pompeii, he invoked Mary’s protection: "Our blessed mother Mary always wants to walk with us... So let us pray together for this mission, and for all of the Church, and for peace in the world."
He then led the Hail Mary prayer and closed with a message for all: "To all the faithful here present, and to all those who receive his blessing through the radio, through television, and other technologies of communication. You can recognize him in the way recognized by the church. Let us hope that he's preserved for a long time and ensure peace to the church throughout the world."
US Leaders Respond
The election of the first American pope drew swift reactions from political leaders.
"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. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.
Vice President JD Vance congratulated him on X (formerly Twitter). "Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election!"
In an interesting backstory, Pope Leo XIV had previously written an opinion article in February that was critical of a religious comment made by Vance, highlighting a complex dynamic between the two figures.
Source: ABC News / Youtube.
From Chicago to the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV’s rise to the papacy marks the culmination of a remarkable journey. Born in Chicago, Robert Prevost spent much of his early priesthood serving in Peru, where he lived for decades, ultimately becoming archbishop of Chiclayo.
His Peruvian citizenship and pastoral experience in Latin America helped make him a unifying figure.
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, placing him in charge of overseeing bishop appointments worldwide—a role that provided both influence and visibility ahead of the conclave.
Prevost’s election is seen as a sign of continuity with Francis’s priorities, especially regarding outreach to the Global South, Church reform, and synodality.
While his American nationality was once seen as a potential barrier, his cross-cultural ministry and years of service abroad appear to have shifted perspectives within the College of Cardinals.
Source: CNN / Youtube.
A New Chapter for the Church
At a time when the world faces conflict, division, and upheaval, the Catholic Church begins a new chapter under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV. His inaugural words—“Peace be with you”—set a tone of healing, humility, and global solidarity.
With his deep theological grounding, intercultural experience, and commitment to dialogue, the first American pope may shape the Church’s future in ways that blend tradition with transformation.
Read next: A pope of firsts: The surprising legacy Pope Francis leaves behind
What are your thoughts on or hopes for Pope Leo XIV’s papacy? How do you think his American and Latin American roots will shape his leadership? Share your thoughts, prayers, and questions in the comments below!
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native with deep roots in Latin America, has taken the name Pope Leo XIV—and his very first words as pontiff sent a message of peace that’s resonating far beyond the walls of the Vatican.
A Moment Centuries in the Making
In an unprecedented moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—a seasoned Vatican official and former missionary—was elected Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, becoming the first American to hold the papacy in the Church’s 2,000-year history.
A 69-year-old Chicago native and member of the Augustinian religious order, Pope Leo XIV chose a name rooted in legacy and strength.
At exactly 6:07 pm local time, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out, signaling the election of the Church’s new leader.
Tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers, waving flags, crossing themselves, and shouting “Viva il papa!”
Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native with deep ties to Peru, has become the first American pope in history, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. Image source: Rappler / Youtube.
Soon after, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti stepped onto the loggia of the basilica and made the formal declaration:
"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."
Earlier ballots on Wednesday and Thursday had ended inconclusively, signaled by plumes of black smoke. On Thursday evening, the cardinals achieved the necessary two-thirds majority—89 out of 133 votes—to elect a new pontiff.
Pope Leo XIV’s First Words to the World
Making his first appearance as pope, Leo XIV wore the traditional red mozzetta cape—a garment rejected by his predecessor, Pope Francis, in 2013. The choice was seen as a symbolic return to tradition.
(Speaking in Italian):
"Peace be with you. Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God."
He wished that this message of peace would enter people’s hearts and homes around the globe: "Peace be with you." He described it as a "disarming and humble and preserving peace... God, who loves all of us, without any limits or conditions."
Referencing Pope Francis, he said: "Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome."
"God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God."
During his first address from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV emphasised peace, unity and dialogue, delivering his message in Italian and Spanish but not in English. Image source: BBC News / Youtube.
Identifying with his spiritual heritage, he said: "I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian. He said, 'with you I am a Christian, for you a bishop'. So may we all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us."
To the Church of Rome, he offered a special message about inclusivity and openness: "We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square."
(Speaking in Spanish):
"Hello to all and especially to those of my diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, a loyal, faithful people accompanying the bishop and helping the bishop."
(Returning to Italian):
"We want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering."
Marking the Supplicatio to Our Lady of Pompeii, he invoked Mary’s protection: "Our blessed mother Mary always wants to walk with us... So let us pray together for this mission, and for all of the Church, and for peace in the world."
He then led the Hail Mary prayer and closed with a message for all: "To all the faithful here present, and to all those who receive his blessing through the radio, through television, and other technologies of communication. You can recognize him in the way recognized by the church. Let us hope that he's preserved for a long time and ensure peace to the church throughout the world."
Prevost’s election is seen as a signal of continuity with Pope Francis’s reforms, especially regarding outreach to the Global South and a more inclusive Church. Image source: BBC News / Youtube.
US Leaders Respond
The election of the first American pope drew swift reactions from political leaders.
"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. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.
Vice President JD Vance congratulated him on X (formerly Twitter). "Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election!"
In an interesting backstory, Pope Leo XIV had previously written an opinion article in February that was critical of a religious comment made by Vance, highlighting a complex dynamic between the two figures.
Source: ABC News / Youtube.
From Chicago to the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV’s rise to the papacy marks the culmination of a remarkable journey. Born in Chicago, Robert Prevost spent much of his early priesthood serving in Peru, where he lived for decades, ultimately becoming archbishop of Chiclayo.
His Peruvian citizenship and pastoral experience in Latin America helped make him a unifying figure.
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, placing him in charge of overseeing bishop appointments worldwide—a role that provided both influence and visibility ahead of the conclave.
Prevost’s election is seen as a sign of continuity with Francis’s priorities, especially regarding outreach to the Global South, Church reform, and synodality.
While his American nationality was once seen as a potential barrier, his cross-cultural ministry and years of service abroad appear to have shifted perspectives within the College of Cardinals.
Source: CNN / Youtube.
A New Chapter for the Church
At a time when the world faces conflict, division, and upheaval, the Catholic Church begins a new chapter under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV. His inaugural words—“Peace be with you”—set a tone of healing, humility, and global solidarity.
With his deep theological grounding, intercultural experience, and commitment to dialogue, the first American pope may shape the Church’s future in ways that blend tradition with transformation.
Read next: A pope of firsts: The surprising legacy Pope Francis leaves behind
What are your thoughts on or hopes for Pope Leo XIV’s papacy? How do you think his American and Latin American roots will shape his leadership? Share your thoughts, prayers, and questions in the comments below!
