Pope Leo XIV: America's Robert Francis Prevost Elected Catholic Pope, First From The Country

• The name of the new Pope was announced on May 8, 2025, after his election in the Sistine Chapel
• Robert Francis Prevost, who is from the United States of America, will head the Catholic Church
• The new pontiff, who is the first ever Pope from the United States, will be known as Pope Leo XIV

Robert Prevost, who is from the United States of America, has emerged as the new leader of the Catholic Church.

He has become the 267th Pope, the first time in 2,000 years that an American will occupy the revered position.

The 69-year-old pontiff was born in the city of Chicago, Illinois, in 1955 and is to be known henceforth as Pope Leo XIV.

The new Pope holds both American and Peruvian citizenship and also serves on the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, per The Independent.

According to information posted on the website of the College of Cardinals, Pope Leo holds similar views to the late Pope Francis.

The information states:

"Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a former prefect of the influential Dicastery for Bishops, is a Chicago-born prelate with views close to Pope Francis who spent many years as a missionary in Peru before being elected head of the Augustinians for two consecutive terms. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) in 1977 and made his solemn vows in 1981. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977, a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago."

Watch the video of the announcement below:

Reactions to the election of new Pope

Ann Bini said:

"I am happy that God chosen him (Pope Leo) as the next Pope! What happened to me when I was spirit filled was correct he will be in America. I am excited of whatever he may bring! For sure God will direct him and bless him."

Miatta Zinnah Dongbo said:

"Congratulations and welcome to our new Papal, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. May the Almighty God lead and direct you as you shepherd His people."

Leo Quinones said:

"Leo XIV, has many challenges and follows the path of Pope Francis."

Bartholomew Terhemba Terwase said:

"Heavenly Father. We thank You for the appointment of Pope Leo XIV. May You grant him wisdom, humility, and strength as he leads Your Church in love and truth. Bless his mission, unite the faithful through his service, and let his leadership reflect Your light in the world. Amen."

Frankis Morales said:

"The many followers who are moving away from Catholicism because of things like this are right. Now what will the Catholics of Europe and other countries say? Having elected an American pope is like an affront to their faith."

Pope Leo XIV’s identity bridges history and mission, expert says

Italian-based canon law expert Fabiola Lacagnina has explained the deeper meaning behind Pope Leo XIV’s name.

Lacagnina said the new pope’s identity as a “New World” pontiff, paired with his choice of a deeply traditional name, conveys a strong message of unity and continuity.

“In this sense, a pope from the ‘new world’ taking a name so strongly rooted in the tradition of the Church of Rome symbolically expresses the profound unity between the centre and the periphery, between history and renewal, between Catholic identity and missionary drive,” the lawyer told Legit.ng.

Trump, Tinubu congratulate Pope Leo XIV

American President Donald Trump said the emergence of Pope Leo XIV was a great honour to his country.

He was happy that he would be the first American pope. Trump added that he looked forward to meeting with the new pope. He stated that it would be such a great moment.

President Bola Tinubu rejoiced with the election of the Pope as he said that his message of peace already "resonates across the globe"..

He prayed for God's wisdom on Leo XIV and also wished him a good health while carrying out his new duties.

A part of the presidential statement read:

"President Tinubu believes the election of Pope Leo XIV opens a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and the values of love, humanity and charity, particularly to the underprivileged that it has consistently projected."

How a new Pope is elected

Legit.ng also reported that after Pope Francis passed on, a new Pope had to be selected within a few days.

The 88-year-old pontiff died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, a day after he met with US Vice President JD Vance.

Ahead of the confirmation of Pope Leo XIV, the process of choosing a new leader for the church has been outlined.

Joseph Omotayo, the HoD of the Human Interest Desk, contributed to this report, adding reactions from Donald Trump and Bola Tinubu on the new Pope selection.

Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a canon law expert for this report.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng