Cardinal Robert Prevost, the first American pope in history, has officially taken the name Pope Leo XIV. The name carries deep symbolic meaning.
Cardinal Robert Prevost becomes the first American Pope
After Pope Francis passed away, the Catholic Church moved swiftly to select a new leader for its 1.3 billion global followers.
On May 8, just under two days after the conclave began, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel. It signaled that a final decision had been made.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, born in Chicago, was announced as the 267th pope.
He comes the first American pope in history after Pope Francis’s death.
His appointment triggered widespread reactions, especially in the United States, where political leaders welcomed the historic moment.
Trump breaks slience after Cardinal Robert Prevost becomes the Pope
Donald Trump calls Pope Leo XIV’s Election a ‘great honor’ for the United States
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to congratulate the newly elected Pope Leo XIV on his papal victory.
He also expressed eagerness to meet the new pope. He calledit a “very meaningful moment” for both religious and national communities.
Trump wrote: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize 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!”
Why Pope Leo XIV chose the name Pope Leo XIV
When elected, popes traditionally adopt a new name to symbolize their vision and spiritual alignment with past Church leaders.
Pope Leo XIV chose a name connected to one of the Church’s most influential leaders, Pope Leo XIII, who reigned from 1878 to 1903.
Leo XIII was known for advancing Catholic social teachings and publishing the landmark encyclical Rerum Novarum (“Of New Things”).
That encyclical laid the foundation for modern Catholic social doctrine, especially around workers’ rights, human dignity, and economic justice.
Father Vito Crincoli, speaking to ABC News, noted the strength associated with the Leo name and its doctrinal clarity.
“Looking to the history, Leos were strong popes.
“Like Leo XIII, he loved his people. He loved his people. His people, he considered man not a machine. A man’s work was a reflection of his dignity.
“We don’t know this yet, but it’d be really interesting to know why he took the name Leo.”
Pope Leo XIV’s Career Reflects a Mission of Humility, Service, and Global Inclusion
Before becoming pope, Robert Prevost led a diverse career within the Church, marked by humility, service, and global outreach.
He served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023 and previously led the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.
His years in Peru shaped his worldview and deepened his commitment to connecting the global south with Vatican leadership.
His ability to speak multiple languages, including Spanish and Italian, also helped him bridge cultural gaps within the global Church.
From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful with a heartfelt message of peace and unity.
His first words: “May peace be with all of you, were met with cheers from the crowd gathered in Vatican City
Reflecting on Pope Francis’ legacy, he urged the Church to remain a missionary body, open to dialogue and inclusive of all.
“Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, establishes dialogues.
“That’s always open to receive, on this piazza with open arms, to be able to receive everybody that needs our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.”