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History was made in Rome as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old from Chicago, was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, choosing the name Pope Leo XIV.

A Surprise Selection by the Conclave

The white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney signaled to the world that a new pope had been elected. The decision came on the second day of the papal conclave, as 133 cardinals from around the world cast their votes.

Prevost, who wasn’t among the most frequently mentioned contenders to succeed Pope Francis—who passed away on April 21—emerged as a surprise selection.

Pope Leo XIV is the First American Pope

Cardinal Prevost becomes the first-ever pope born in the United States, and he brings with him a multicultural background. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, he spent much of his ecclesiastical career in Peru and holds dual U.S.-Peruvian nationality.

Prevost studied at Villanova University and Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, later earning a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He was elevated to cardinal status only recently, in 2023.

The Pope’s First Address

Standing before thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful from the iconic balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.

“Peace be with you,” he said in fluent Italian, also offering words in Spanish during his brief remarks. He did not speak in English despite being American-born.

“Peace be with you all,” he repeated to the cheering crowd.

In his address, Leo XIV expressed deep gratitude for his predecessor, Pope Francis, and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to its mission:

“A church that is engaged with the modern world and is always looking for peace, charity, and being close to people, especially those who are suffering,” he said.

First Augustinian Pope in History

In addition to being the first American pontiff, Pope Leo XIV is also the first pope from the Order of St. Augustine, making him the first Augustinian pope in Church history.

According to Augustinian Vocations of North America, members of the order serve as pastors, educators, and missionaries around the world. The order was formally established in 1244 under Pope Innocent IV.

“The main purpose for you having come together is to live harmoniously in your house, intent upon God in oneness of mind and heart,” reads the Rule of St. Augustine. “Call nothing your own but let everything be yours in common... distribution was made to each one according to each one's need.”

The Augustinian order promotes the values of community, harmony, and service, and currently includes 2,800 members in 47 countries.