Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected in a surprise choice to be the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, taking the name Leo XIV, becoming the first U.S. pontiff.
It was gathered that thousands of people packed in St Peter’s Square cheered as Prevost appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, waving with both hands, smiling and bowing.
Aged 69, from Chicago, Prevost spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru and became a cardinal only in 2023.
He became the 267th Catholic pope after the death of Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American pope and had led the Church for 12 years and widely sought to open the staid institution up to the modern world.
The last pope to take the name Leo led the Church from 1878-1903 and was known for his devoted focus to social justice issues, and is often credited with laying the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.
Reacting to the development in a statement on Thursday, U.S, President Donald Trump swiftly congratulated Prevost, describing it as an “honour” for the country.
He said: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American Pope.
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
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