Pope Leo XIV makes history as first American pontiff, calls for global peace in powerful address

The Catholic Church has chosen a new leader. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the next pope. He will now be known as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome. The announcement was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in front of a cheering crowd of over 100,000 people.

This moment made history, as Pope Leo XIV is the first American to ever lead the Church. He was chosen by the College of Cardinals after four rounds of voting on their second day of assembly. The Vatican City responded with an overwhelming recognition when Cardinal Dominique Mamberti uttered the traditional phrase, ‘Habemus Papam,’ meaning ‘We have a Pope.’

‘Habemus Papam’ Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago, stepped out and greeted the crowd with his first words: “Peace be with all of you!” He spoke mostly in Italian and Spanish, asking for peace to fill homes, countries, and the world. Though American, he didn’t speak English, choosing instead to address people from different parts of the world in the languages they speak.

The new pope is 69 years old and has spent more than 20 years working in Peru, where he once served as a bishop and even became a citizen. Many believe his time there helped shape his deep care for the poor and the marginalized. He has also been part of important groups in the Vatican that help choose new bishops around the world.

Pope Leo XIV follows the late Pope Francis, who passed away last month. He is expected to carry on many of Francis’ values, like caring for the planet, helping refugees, and making the Church more welcoming. In his first speech, Leo spoke strongly against hate and division, saying, “Evil will not prevail: we are all in God’s hands … The world needs his light … Help us build bridges, with dialogue, to always be at peace.”

World leaders quickly reacted to the news. U.S. politicians like Donald Trump congratulated him, “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American. 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!” Trump said in his post.

While others, including Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, shared hopes that the Vatican will continue to support peace efforts, “At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace,”. The mayor of Chicago proudly posted online, “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago! Congratulations to the first American Pope Leo XIV! We hope to welcome you back home soon.”

There is hope that Pope Leo XIV can help guide the Church during these difficult times. He steps into his role while the world faces wars, climate change, and rising tension between nations. The Church also continues to deal with the pain of past abuse cases and divisions among its members.

Still, with his calm spirit and clear message of unity, many believe Pope Leo XIV could be the kind of leader the world needs right now. His words were simple but powerful: “Peace be with you. A disarmed, disarming, humble peace. God loves us all, unconditionally.”

Image: Vatican News