With profound joy and heartfelt pride, the world celebrates the election of the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church. Born in Chicago and shaped by a life of mission, humility, and service, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has taken the name Pope Leo XIV—marking the beginning of a new chapter not only for the Vatican but for Catholics across the globe.
A Pope from the Heart of the Americas
Raised in the city of Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is a son of the Church who never forgot his missionary calling. An Augustinian friar with deep roots in pastoral care, he served for nearly two decades in Peru—first as a missionary, then as the Bishop of Chiclayo—before returning to Rome to serve as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis.
“I still consider myself a missionary,” he shared in an earlier interview with Vatican News “My vocation, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is.”
From the streets of Chicago to the barrios of Peru to the halls of the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV brings with him a spirit forged by pastoral encounter and missionary zeal. His election is not only a source of pride for Americans, but a beacon of hope for Catholics everywhere who yearn for a Church that listens, accompanies, and rejoices in the Gospel.
We pray for his pontificate—may it be one of renewal, courage, and contagious joy.
Welcome, Pope Leo XIV. The world is ready to walk with you.
To learn more about his journey and service to the Church, visit US Catholic