American Cardinal Elected Pope As Robert Prevost Becomes Leo XIV

In a stunning turn of events, the College of Cardinals has elected American Cardinal Robert Prevost as the 267th Pope, assuming the title Leo XIV. The election is significant because it is the first time a US citizen has been elected Pope.

While Cardinal Prevost’s US citizenship was initially viewed as a potential impediment, his extensive Church experience, particularly his work in Latin America and Rome, proved decisive. The cardinals expressed a strong desire for continuity with Pope Francis’ reform agenda and a leader with a track record of effective administration.

Prevost’s background provides a unique perspective, shaped by years of service in Peruvian missions and later as Prior General of the Augustinian Order. His most recent position as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops provided him with intimate knowledge of the global Church and its leadership, as well as opportunities to build relationships with cardinals around the world.

“The cardinals clearly wanted someone committed to Pope Francis’ reform agenda and someone with a proven track record of effective management,” said one Vatican source.

Prevost’s appeal stems in large part from his in-depth knowledge of the Church in Latin America, a region that fully embraced the spirit of the Second Vatican Council. Augustinian Fr. Anthony Pizzo, who knew Prevost from their time at Villanova University, emphasised his important role in developing indigenous leadership within the Peruvian Church.

“All of the leaders in those missions are now native Peruvian Augustinians, and he was instrumental in the effort to recruit and cultivate native priests for leadership in the order,” Pizzo told NCR before the conclave. “And he succeeded.”

This experience is consistent with Pope Francis’ synodal governance style, which is based on the collegial discernment and decision-making that distinguishes the Council of Episcopal Conferences in Latin America. The newly elected Pope, Leo XIV, is expected to maintain this emphasis on collaboration and dialogue within the Church.

Furthermore, Prevost’s time in Latin America instilled in him a strong commitment to the “preferential option for the poor,” a key tenet of Catholic social teaching. He recognises the reality of widespread poverty and the need to address systemic injustices.

While some conservative voices within the Church may be disappointed by the election of a Pope who appears to share Francis’ vision, the cardinals have chosen a leader who is unlikely to be swayed by undue influence. Pope Leo XIV is unlikely to be concerned about Francis’ parochialism and perceived Peronist leanings, as some American conservatives have attributed to him.

Despite concerns about Prevost’s perceived lack of charisma, those familiar with his career highlight the papacy’s transformative power. Just as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio evolved into the charismatic Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV is expected to evolve and define his own distinct presence on the global stage.

The election of Pope Leo XIV ushers in a new era for the Catholic Church. While the specific direction of his pontificate remains to be seen, it is clear that the cardinals have chosen a leader who is committed to Pope Francis’ reforms, places a high value on synodality, and is deeply committed to the world’s most vulnerable populations. The Church eagerly anticipates Pope Leo XIV’s leadership.