US Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected 267th Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope and the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election was announced to a crowd at St. Peter’s Square with the traditional Latin phrase "Habemus Papam," and he delivered a message of peace in multiple languages, emphasizing unity and compassion. Pope Leo XIV is recognized for his quiet demeanor and prior missionary work in Peru, as well as his efforts to modernize the Church. By choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope signals a renewed focus on social justice, intellectual engagement, and the Church's role in addressing contemporary global issues such as economic inequality and climate change, aligning his papacy with the legacy of Pope Leo XIII. The election has garnered notable reactions, including congratulations from US President Donald Trump and Chicago's mayor, highlighting the significance of his American roots. This papal choice reflects both continuity and reform, signaling a pastoral mission rooted in compassion for the marginalized and a commitment to the Church’s relevance in the modern world.