Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected Pope Leo XIV
In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago native, was elected as the new Pope on May 8, 2025. He chose the papal name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the 267th Pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Prevost joined the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova University and a doctorate from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
Prevost spent over two decades serving in Peru, first as an Augustinian missionary and later as Bishop of Chiclayo. He was appointed as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops by Pope Francis in January 2023, a key position that evaluates and recommends candidates for the episcopate around the world.
The white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney signaled the successful election of a new Pope. At 6:07 p.m. Rome time, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica began to ring, and French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced the news to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square: “Habemus papam!” – We have a Pope!
As Pope Leo XIV, he brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to promoting unity within the Church. In his previous roles, he emphasized the importance of bishops being close to their people, serving with humility, and avoiding clericalism.
His vision for the Church is one of service, compassion, and unity.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
