Habemus Papam!
Pope Leo XIV
It is with profound reverence that we give thanks to Almighty God for the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s two-millennia history. The announcement was made on May 8, 2025, following the traditional white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the conclusion of the conclave.
Prayer for Pope Leo XIV
Heavenly Father,
You have raised Your servant, Pope Leo XIV, to the Chair of Saint Peter.
Pour out Your abundant blessings upon him.
Through him, guide Your pilgrim Church along the path to Heaven.
Grant him wisdom to discern Your will,
Courage to fulfill it,
And charity to shepherd Your people with the Heart of Christ.
In this time of transition,
Bring peace to troubled hearts,
Joy to those who suffer,
And hope to the despairing.
May he be a faithful successor to Saint Peter,
A humble servant of Your Word,
And a fearless herald of Your Divine Mercy and Truth.
Strengthen him with the grace of the Holy Spirit,
That he may lead the Church in unity, holiness, and fidelity.
We entrust him to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
And to the prayers of all the saints.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
About Pope Leo XIV
A Life of Service and Pastoral Dedication
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martínez, Robert Francis Prevost grew up in a culturally rich family of French, Italian, and Spanish descent. He has two brothers, Louis Martín and John Joseph.
He studied Mathematics and Philosophy at Villanova University, graduating in 1977. That same year, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in Saint Louis, Missouri, professed his first vows on September 2, 1978, and solemn vows on August 29, 1981. He continued his theological formation at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, earning a diploma in theology.
At the age of 27, he was sent to Rome to study canon law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), where he earned a licentiate in 1984 and later a doctorate in 1987, with a dissertation entitled “The Role of the Local Prior in the Order of Saint Augustine.” He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, at the Augustinian College of Saint Monica in Rome by Archbishop Jean Jadot.
After brief service in Chulucanas, Peru (1985–1986), he dedicated over a decade (1988–1999) to missionary work in Trujillo, Peru. There he served as Community Prior, Formation Director, Judicial Vicar, and Professor of Canon Law, Patristics, and Moral Theology at the Major Seminary “San Carlos y San Marcelo.” He also ministered in impoverished parishes, particularly at Our Lady Mother of the Church, later established as Saint Rita Parish.
In 1999, he was elected Provincial Prior of the Augustinian Province of “Mother of Good Counsel” in Chicago. In 2001, he was elected Prior General of the entire Augustinian Order, relocating to Rome, where he served for two consecutive terms until 2013, providing global leadership and pastoral guidance to the Order.
In October 2013, he returned to Chicago, resuming service in formation and provincial leadership. On November 3, 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru. He was consecrated bishop on December 12, 2014, and formally appointed Bishop of Chiclayo on September 26, 2015. During this time, he became a Peruvian citizen, reflecting his deep bond with the people of Peru. He also served as Second Vice President of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference and participated in several Vatican dicasteries.
On January 30, 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, raising him to the rank of Archbishop. He was created Cardinal on September 30, 2023, receiving the Diaconate of Saint Monica. On February 6, 2025, he was elevated to the Order of Bishops and assigned the suburbicarian see of Albano, placing him among the highest-ranking members of the College of Cardinals.
Pope Leo XIV is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, positioning him well to serve the universal Church.
The Conclave and Election
The 2025 conclave commenced on May 7, with 133 cardinal electors participating. After four rounds of voting, the requisite two-thirds majority was achieved, and white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025, at 6:08 p.m. Rome time, signaling the election of the new pope.
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, announced the election with the traditional Habemus Papam, introducing Pope Leo XIV to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. In his first public words as pope, he greeted the world with the words, “Peace be with all of you,” signaling his intention to lead with a spirit of unity and charity.
Significance of the Name “Leo XIV”
By choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope aligns himself with a legacy of pontiffs known for their theological depth and engagement with the great social and moral issues of their times. Notably, Pope Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903, is remembered for Rerum Novarum, his groundbreaking encyclical on social justice and the dignity of labor. Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name may signal a similar dedication to addressing contemporary challenges through the wisdom of Catholic tradition.
A Pontificate Rooted in Tradition and Outreach
With extensive experience as a missionary, pastor, religious superior, bishop, and Vatican official, Pope Leo XIV brings a unique combination of pastoral charity and ecclesial governance to the Petrine ministry. His service in both the Americas and the Roman Curia has equipped him to address the needs of the universal Church with humility, wisdom, and courage.
As the first member of the Augustinian Order to ascend to the papacy, the first American-born pope, and a naturalized Peruvian citizen, his election marks a historic moment that reflects the ever-deepening universality of the Catholic Church. His leadership is expected to continue the Church’s mission of evangelization, pastoral care, and the defense of human dignity in every corner of the world.
May the Holy Spirit guide Pope Leo XIV as he shepherds the People of God, and may his pontificate bear great fruit for the renewal and unity of the Church.
For more detailed information, you may refer to the official Vatican biography: Vatican News