Catholic Church elects first American Pope

May 8, 2025 – VATICAN CITY – The cardinals finally elected a new Pope. Late on Thursday evening white smoke began bellowing out of the building where the 133 cardinals were gathered to select the new Pope. This notified the faithful gathered in Vatican Square than an announcement of the selection would be coming.

The cardinals shocked many Vatican watchers by selecting an America - Robert Francis Prevost as the Successor to St. Peter. The 69-year-old pontiff chose the papal name of Leo the XIV. Many pundits had suggested that an American was out of the question given the enormous geopolitical role that this country plays in global economic affairs.

Pope Leo addressed the crowd in Italian, Spanish, and Latin, but not in English.

In his blessing to the crowd Pope Leo emphasized global peace.

He urged listeners "To be one common people always living in peace."

Pope Leo is a native of Chicago; but he spent most of his career assigned outside this country. He spent 16 years in Peru where he served as bishop.

Leo thanked the people of Peru for his time there and thanked the cardinals for electing him.

Pope Leo has been a close advisor to Pope Francis and there is speculation that his election means that the 133 cardinals who made the selection wanted to continue in the direction of Francis for the Church. 80 percent of the cardinals in the conclave were appointed by Francis.

President Donald J. Trump (R) congratulated the new Pope on his election.

"The election of the first American Pope is a great honor for this country," said President Trump in a statement.

One out of five Americans identify as Catholic.