Robert Prevost becomes first U.S.-born pope, takes name Leo XIV

After less than 24 hours of seclusion in the Vatican, cardinals ended the 2025 papal conclave by selecting Cardinal Robert Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, to be the new pope.

Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955. He is the first American pope in the church’s history, and is also a citizen of Peru, where he worked for many years.

Pope Leo XIV entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) in 1977 and made his solemn vows in 1981.

Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square to see the identity of the new pontiff revealed. Pope Leo XIV appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica late in the afternoon in Rome, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the protodeacon of the College of Cardinals and prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, announced in Latin: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope!”).

Following the announcement, Pope Leo XIV addressed the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square and those watching around the world, offering his first blessing urbi et orbi (to the city and the world) as the new Roman pontiff.

“Peace be with all of you!” were the Roman Pontiff’s first words to the masses.

Pope Leo XIV replaces Pope Francis, who died April 22 at age 88.