Robert Prevost of Chicago Elected 267th Pope Leo XIV, First American to Lead Church

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American and the 267th pontiff to lead the Roman Catholic Church. His election follows the conclave's four rounds of voting, with 133 cardinals participating to select the new pope for the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. Prevost, 69, was born in Chicago, studied at Villanova University, was ordained in 1982, and was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023. He previously served as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. A member of the Augustinian order, Pope Leo XIV is recognized for his commitment to serving the poor and is noted by Chicago church leaders as a Cubs fan. He succeeds Pope Francis. The choice of the papal name Leo XIV revives a tradition not used since 1903, referencing a lineage of popes known for doctrinal leadership and social engagement.