Chicago's Robert Francis Prevost, 69, Elected Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, First American Pope

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native and member of the Augustinian order, has been elected as the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. This marks the first time in history that an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, which has 1.5 billion followers worldwide. Prevost, who was previously a missionary in Peru and served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, was elected after a papal conclave that lasted just one day. His selection as the 267th pontiff was announced on Thursday, May 8, 2025, following a two-thirds vote by the cardinals. The choice of the name Leo XIV is seen as a signal of Prevost's commitment to social justice, aligning with the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who was known for his advocacy for workers' rights during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV spoke in Italian and then switched to Spanish, emphasizing a message of peace, dialogue, and missionary evangelization. He also revealed himself to be a Chicago Sox fan.