Robert Francis Prevost becomes first American-born Pope, takes name Leo XIV

In a historic moment for both the United States and the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected pope, becoming the first American-born pontiff in history. Chosen on the second day of the papal conclave, the 69-year-old cardinal assumed the name Pope Leo XIV following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88.

The decision was announced traditionally through white smoke billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that a new pope had been chosen.

Reactions poured in from global and national leaders. Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to express his admiration. “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country,” he wrote. Trump added that he looked forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV, calling it a “very meaningful moment.”

Despite the celebratory tone, previous posts linked to a verified X account associated with Prevost have shown a more critical stance toward the Trump administration. In February, the account shared a National Catholic Reporter article criticizing Vice President JD Vance’s interpretation of Jesus’ teachings. In April, it reposted a tweet from a Catholic publication condemning the Trump administration’s mass-deportation policies, questioning the morality and conscience behind such actions.

Vice President Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, nevertheless offered his congratulations on X, stating, “I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church.”

Former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama also extended their congratulations. Biden, a lifelong Catholic, invoked the traditional Latin phrase “Habemus papam”. “We have a pope” and praised the significance of the moment. Obama, referencing his own ties to Chicago, wrote, “Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” calling it “a historic day for the United States.”

Pope Leo XIV’s election signals a new chapter for the Vatican, with many eyes watching how his American background may influence his papacy. The coming months are expected to reveal more about his vision for the global Church and his approach to moral and political leadership in an increasingly divided world.