VATICAN: Pope Leo XIV, New Pontiff
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
The Conclave has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Member of the Order of St. Augustine (OSA) and from the United States, has been elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
His election on May 8, 2025, marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy.The announcement came after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the successful conclusion of the conclave, which began Wednesday, May 7.
His Eminence Protodeacon Dominique Cardinal Mamberti presented the new Pope to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the words “Habemus Papam” (We have a Pope). In his first public words, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with a message of peace, setting the tone for his forthcoming pontificate, saying, “Peace be with all of you!”
The first Augustinian Pope was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish descent. He has two brothers, Louis Martín and John Joseph. He was ordained to the Priesthood, 19 June 1982.
In 1999, he was elected Provincial Prior of the Augustinian Province of “Mother of Good Counsel” in Chicago, and two and a half years later, the Ordinary General Chapter of the Order of Saint Augustine elected him as Prior General, confirming him in 2007 for a second term.
He was ordained to the Episcopate: 12 December 2014 and elevated to the College of Cardinals: 30 September 2024.
