Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Francis Successor
Originally from Chicago, the 69-year-old former missionary spent much of his career serving in Peru and most recently led the Vatican’s influential office responsible for overseeing the appointment of bishops.
Appearing for the first time as pope on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo XIV greeted the crowd with the words, “Peace be with you,” and delivered a message centered on peace, dialogue, and missionary outreach.
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Unlike his predecessor Pope Francis, who opted for a simpler appearance upon his election in 2013, Leo wore the traditional red cape associated with the papacy. During his address, he spoke in both Italian and Spanish but did not speak in English.
Prevost’s rise to the papacy was preceded by a significant appointment in 2023, when Pope Francis named him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops — the Vatican office tasked with evaluating and recommending bishop appointments globally. This position gave him considerable influence and visibility leading into the papal conclave, setting him apart from many of his fellow cardinals.
Leo XIV belongs to the Order of St. Augustine, a Catholic religious order that includes clergy, religious, and lay members. The order emphasizes community life and unity, aspiring to live “with one mind and one heart on the way to God.” Historically, six other popes have come from the Augustinian tradition.
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The new pope was chosen through a confidential election process known as the conclave, which brought together 135 cardinal electors from around the world. During the conclave, the cardinals are secluded from external contact, and the specific details of the voting, including vote counts, remain secret.
Source: Agencies
