History was made today as the white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel and Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago, was declared the 267th pope, the first American to ever assume the papacy.
Taking the name Leo XIV, he now steps into the shoes of leadership at a time when the Catholic Church faces both global challenges and renewed calls for unity and a return to biblical doctrine.
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Leo XIV isn’t a stranger to the international stage.
Though born in the U.S., much of his priestly life has been spent far from American soil. With over a decade of service in Peru—including roles in Trujillo and Chiclayo—and holding dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship, Leo XIV represents a bridge between North and South America, between modernity and mission. His own words spoken to Vatican News tells much about his heart: “I still consider myself a missionary. My vocation, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is.”
His election signals continuity with the papal legacy, particularly in the realm of reform and global outreach.
As the former head of the Dicastery for Bishops, Leo XIV wielded tremendous influence over episcopal appointments—giving him insight into the Church’s leadership pipeline worldwide.
As the world watches this historic moment unfold, let us commit to prayer—not only for Pope Leo XIV as he begins his time as the leader of the Catholic Church, but for all world leaders, that they may seek God in all things and lead with wisdom, justice and peace in these turbulent times.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
