Robert Francis Prevost becomes first American-born pope, takes name Leo XIV

Habemus Papam! The world’s 1.4 billion Catholics have a new leader — Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the first American-born pope.

VATICAN CITY — Habemus Papam! The world’s 1.4 billion Catholics have a new leader — Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the first American-born pope.

Prevost, 69, is originally from Chicago and has chosen the papal name Leo XIV. He was most recently the head of the dicastery responsible for the appointment of bishops and the archbishop emeritus of Chiclayo, Peru.

“Peace be with all you,” Pope Leo XIV said from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in his first public words. He was met with joyful cheering from a crowd of around 150,000, according to Italian officials.