Leo XIV becomes first American-born Pope

The Catholic Church has elected its first American-born pontiff, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV.

The 69-year-old native of Chicago emerged as the choice of the 133 cardinal electors following deliberations in the Sistine Chapel, succeeding Pope Francis, who died on April 21, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Standing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica before a crowd of around 150,000, Leo greeted the world with his first public words: “Peace be with all you.” He addressed the faithful in Spanish and Italian, omitting English, despite being a native speaker.

Prevost, previously head of the Vatican dicastery overseeing bishop appointments and archbishop emeritus of Chiclayo, Peru, chose his papal name in tribute to past Popes Leo. Known for his work in Latin America and fluent in six languages, Leo also holds American, Peruvian, and Vatican citizenship.

In a speech recalling his predecessor, he said: “We still hold in our ears that weak yet ever courageous voice of Pope Francis as he blessed Rome — the pope who blessed Rome, who gave his blessing to the world, to the whole world.” He called on the Church to “build bridges through dialogue, through encounter, uniting everyone to be one single people always in peace.”

World leaders congratulated US President Donald Trump: “It is such an honour to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.”

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte praised his service to Peru, noting his 2015 naturalisation, while leaders from both Ukraine and Russia expressed hope for continued Vatican engagement in global peace efforts.

Pope Leo XIV will face early scrutiny over his past handling of abuse cases during his time in Peru and as an Augustinian superior. However, the mood in Chicago was jubilant. Mayor Brandon Johnson hailed him as a South Side native: “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!”

Leo’s alma mater, Villanova University, celebrated the historic election. “Not in my wildest dreams” did he imagine a Villanova alumnus becoming pope, said the university’s president.

The election was confirmed with the traditional Latin announcement “Habemus Papam”, following the appearance of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney.

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White smoke has emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful election of a new pope to lead the Catholic Church, following the conclusion of the conclave to choose a successor to Pope Francis.

The symbolic smoke—traditionally produced by burning the ballots with a chemical additive—means that one of the 133 cardinal-electors has secured the required majority of at least 89 votes, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The moment sparked jubilant celebrations in St. Peter’s Square, where tens of thousands had gathered in anticipation.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as the plume of white smoke billowed into the sky above the Vatican. The great bells of St. Peter’s Basilica began tolling, confirming to the world that the Church’s new spiritual leader has been chosen. Below, a sea of faithful from around the world stood in awe, many in prayer. Priests made the sign of the cross, and nuns were seen weeping with emotion. Cries of “hallelujah” echoed across the square.

All eyes now turn to the red-draped central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the senior cardinal-deacon will soon emerge to deliver the long-awaited announcement: “Habemus Papam!” — Latin for “We have a pope!”

Following that declaration, the cardinal will read aloud the birth name of the newly elected pontiff in Latin and reveal the name he has chosen to assume as pope. The new pontiff will then make his first public appearance, stepping onto the balcony to impart his apostolic blessing, Urbi et Orbi – “To the city and to the world.”

Excitement continues to build in the square as the faithful await the announcement that will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.

By Vafa Guliyeva / Aghakazim Guliyev