Vatican Elects First American Pope, Takes the Name Leo XIV | WPN World People News

The Vatican began the papal conclave on the 7th, and after three rounds of voting, white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on the afternoon of the 8th. Out of 133 cardinals, 69-year-old American Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, taking the papal name **Pope Leo XIV**. At that moment, the bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang out, and the crowd in St. Peter's Square erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago and served for many years as a missionary in Peru. From 2015 to 2023, he was the Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. He holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru and is a member of the Augustinian Order. He spent one-third of his life in the U.S., with the rest primarily in Europe and Latin America.

Leo XIV is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, and can also read Latin and German. Despite his linguistic talents, he is known for his reserved personality and conservative style. He is quiet and speaks little, expressing himself with caution and thoughtful consideration. He is a good listener and is regarded as a calm and efficient administrator.

After his election, Pope Leo XIV donned the red mozzetta and, for the first time as pope, addressed the crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. He began with the words “Peace be with you,” and greeted the crowd with a wave, delivering his entire speech in Italian and Spanish. He paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, thanked the cardinals for their trust and support, and acknowledged the Peruvian diocese where he had served for many years. Pope Leo XIV also outlined his vision for the future of the Catholic Church, calling for global peace and dialogue, aiming to make the Church a bridge-builder and a voice of compassion and care, working toward peace for all.