Pope Leo XIV – the first American and Augustinian to hold the papacy
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected pope and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American and the first Augustinian to be made pope and his election has surprised and shocked most commentators – and Americans. In his election address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, his first words were: “Peace be with you all”. He said: “We must seek together how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, dialogue, always open to welcome”. And referencing the words of St Augustine, said: “With you I am a Christian, for you I am a bishop.” The full text of his address is here. Watch it again here
Cardinal Prevost, aged 69, was elevated to the College of Cardinals in September 2024 and had a key role in the Vatican as Prefect of the Dicastery for the Bishops, responsible for vetting bishops’ appointments around the world.
Born in Chicago, he joined the Augustinians and was based in Peru as a missionary and then bishop, becoming a citizen of the country. Returning to Chicago, he served as the Prior General of the ordinary General Chapter of the Order of Saint Augustine, before being called to Rome. His extensive CV is here
Pope Leo XIV is said to have been highly regarded by Pope Francis, and in his first address, he thanked his predecessor, confirming: “We want to be a synodal church, a church that walks, a church that always seeks peace, always seeks charity, always strives to be close especially to those who suffer”.
Crux Now quotes commentators who say he is “a moderate, balanced figure, known for solid judgment and a keen capacity to listen”. It quotes the Catholic Theological Union saying: “Prevost brings to the College of Cardinals the heart of a missionary and years of ministerial experience, ranging from academic classrooms to poor neighbourhoods to the upper echelons of administration”.
Pope Leo XIV once spoke about the role of the bishop, saying it was one of service: “The Bishop is not supposed to be a little prince, sitting in his kingdom”. View the recording here
Catherine Pepinster reports on the significance of the new papal name, Leo XIV. It has been seen as a nod to Pope Leo XIII, regarded as the founding father of Catholic social doctrine. Writing in The Guardian, she says “Popes who take that name tend to be progressive reformers. If Trump and JD Vance think they have an ally in the Vatican, I think not”. Her article: “What will the new Pope be like? He’s chosen to be called Leo: that’s no accident” is in The Guardian here
Prevost’s election is a sign of deep commitment to social justice, according to Franklin Briceño, writing for Associated Press. He points out that Prevost presided over a change allowing three women to be added to the voting bloc that decides which bishop nominations to forward to the pope. The article, “Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, known as the ‘saint of the north’ in Peru for his closeness to poor”, is here >>
Comment on ‘momentous moment’
US President Donald Trump, posting on Truth Social: “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!” . Comments on film here.
US vice president JD Vance, who converted to Catholic church: “Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election! I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally, and begins a new chapter for the leadership of the Church and in the world. Pope Leo is the first American Pope. This is a momentous moment. As Pope Francis’s papacy showed, the Holy See has a special role to play in bringing people and nations together to address the Major issues of our time, especially on climate change, alleviating poverty, and promoting peace and justice across the world. I look forward to meeting the Holy Father and continuing to work closely with the Catholic Church here in the UK and internationally to advance our shared values and the common good.”
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said: “Pope Leo XIV’s many years of pastoral experience, his commitment to justice, and his deep spirituality are an example of life lived in service to Jesus Christ. As Anglicans we give thanks for his call to Christians to be bridge-builders across the divisions of our world, and the divisions that continue to exist between churches. This is something Jesus asks of us. He prays that the church will be one. This evening, the new Pope spoke of a Church that seeks peace and remains close to those who suffer. Our wounded world needs the justice, healing and hope of Jesus Christ, and we look forward to working with Pope Leo XIV and Roman Catholics in every place to share that love with those in need.”
Peru’s President Dina Boluarte: “His election fills our nation, which was his home, his mission and his faith, with pride and hope. May his pontificate be a guide of peace, justice and love for the world.”
Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, Edinson Farfán, who succeeded Cardinal Prevost: “He was undoubtedly deeply influenced by this particular church of Chiclayo. Chiclayo is a city that greatly values the simple faith of its people. He has a special affection for the diocese. It’s his beloved diocese, it’s his life. He learned here everything he can share and will share with the entire world.”
Christine Allen, Director and Chief Executive of CAFOD: “Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, will be a voice of wisdom in a fractured and divided world, as he continues the important work of leading the Church in the world and providing spiritual and moral guidance to the global community. Having spent years in Peru, Pope Leo XIV brings with him the vital perspective of the Global South, elevating voices from the margins to centre stage”.
Dr Robert P. Jones, President and Founder, Public Religion Research Institute: Pope Leo XIV was an ally of former Pope Francis and is expected to continue many of his predecessor’s reforms, including a focus on the plight of the poor and migrants and efforts to include women and the laity in church leadership decisions. This news will be welcomed neither by Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, nor by the Catholic right in the U.S
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