Robert Francis Prevost: the first pope from the United States and a new era for the Catholic Church
8 May 20:58
VIDEO
on May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church entered a new historical stage: American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV, was elected the 267th Pope. This is the first time in the history of the Apostolic See that a U.S. citizen and a representative of the Augustinian Order has become pontiff.
[Kommersant has collected all the available information about the new Pope.
The path to the Vatican
Robert Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago into a multinational family, with French, Spanish, and Italian ancestors. In 1977, he entered the novitiate of the Order of St. Augustine, and five years later he was ordained a priest. After earning a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, he went on a mission to Peru.
He spent more than a decade in Peru: he was a rector, taught at the seminary, was engaged in pastoral and judicial work, and later became Bishop of Chiclayo. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Bishops, one of the key Vatican structures responsible for appointing bishops around the world.
Election as Pope and the mission of Leo XIV
After the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, Prevost was elected at the conclave in the fourth vote. He was supported by both cardinals from the Global South and Europe, thanks to his missionary experience, diplomatic skills, and fidelity to Francis’ reforms.
By choosing the name Leo XIV, Prevost also paid tribute to Leo XIII, a pontiff known for his social doctrine.
What did Pope Leo XIV say in his first speech?
In his first address, he emphasized the importance of peace, unity, and the fight against poverty:
“The Church must be the voice of the marginalized and a bridge between cultures,” he said.
The newly elected Pope also said the following:
“This is the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the sake of God. I appeal to all countries, to all peoples: let there be peace among you. The Risen Christ brought peace to all, and it comes from God, who loves us all with unconditional love. We hear the brave voice of Pope Francis, who has blessed Rome and the whole world.
In his first address, Leo XIV also called on the faithful not to be afraid, to unite with God, and to build bridges of dialogue for peace.
Who congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election
It should be noted that US President Donald Trump has already congratulated Robert Francis Prevost on his election as Pope. The American leader said that this is a great honor for the United States and he is looking forward to meeting the pontiff.
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy also did the same.
I sincerely congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his election to the throne of St. Peter and the beginning of his pontificate. Ukraine highly appreciates the consistent position of the Holy See on the observance of international law, condemnation of the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and protection of the rights of innocent civilians,” Zelensky said.
He wished His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration, spiritual and physical strength in fulfilling his high mission.
Challenges of the new pontificate
The new Pope faces a number of serious challenges: from restoring trust in the Church amid scandals and a crisis of vocations to strengthening the role of the laity, women in church life and dialogue with other religions. It is expected that Leo XIV will continue Francis’ course, but will emphasize the renewal of the internal mechanisms of church governance and transparency of decisions.
He will also focus on issues of social justice, ecology, digital ethics, and global poverty. As the Pope from North America, he symbolizes the Church’s openness to new contexts, to mixed and multinational communities, and to the challenges of the new world.
Thus, Pope Leo XIV is becoming not just a religious leader, but a figure capable of shaping the global agenda in the areas of morality, peace, and humanity. His pontificate is already being called an era of dialogue, dignity, and restoration of trust.
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