Pope Leo XIV Elected First American Pontiff in Rome

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, has been elected as the 267th pope and the first American-born pontiff, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church. His election followed the death of Pope Francis and a traditional conclave process, culminating in the appearance of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel. The new pope, who also holds Peruvian citizenship due to his missionary work there, has received congratulations from global figures including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who highlighted the pope's potential to advance peace and social justice. Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid also extended his hopes for Pope Leo XIV’s success in promoting peace and noted the strong Vatican-Iraq relationship, which was reinforced by Pope Francis' visit to Iraq in 2021. The election has generated notable public interest, illustrated by Topps NOW releasing a limited-edition trading card commemorating Pope Leo XIV's election. Former U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated the election as a great honor for the United States, emphasizing the pride in having the first American pope.