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17h ago

Pope Leo XIV Begins Papacy as First U.S.-Born Pontiff

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, elected after a swift conclave, emphasizes peace, unity, and continuity with Pope Francis’s reforms in his inaugural address.

The Pope wearing the cross
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
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Overview

  • Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American-born pope, holding dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship after decades of ministry in Peru.
  • Elected on the fourth ballot in a rapid conclave, his selection reflects unity among the College of Cardinals and signals a commitment to pastoral continuity.
  • In his first public address, he called for peace and unity, speaking in Italian and Spanish, and wore traditional papal attire, symbolizing a blend of tradition and reform.
  • His papal name, Leo XIV, evokes the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, known for championing workers' rights and social justice, indicating a focus on similar issues.
  • Today, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel, marking the start of his leadership of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.