In Video: Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, begins his papacy
A New Era at the Vatican: The Election of Pope Leo I 14th
The morning after the white smoke cleared, Cardinal Robert Francis Pros, an American-born cleric, introduced himself to the world as Pope Leo I 14th, the first American-born Pontiff in history. The 53-year-old Pope-elect, who is also a naturalized citizen of Peru, emphasized the need for the church to build bridges, speaking both Italian and Spanish to the excited crowds gathered in St. Peter Square.
A Historic Moment
The election of Pope Leo I 14th was announced by the billowing white smoke that emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney, marking the end of a conclave that lasted just 24 hours. The bells of Vatican City rang out, alerting the thousands of waiting faithful that a new leader had taken the helm.
An American-Peruvian Pontiff
In his first speech as Pope, Leo I 14th praised the importance of unity and international perspective in leading the global Catholic Church. As a cleric with experience working in North America, South America, and Europe, Pope Leo I 14th is uniquely positioned to address the diverse needs of the 1.4 billion Catholics across the globe.
A Bridgebuilder
NBC News correspondent Anne Thompson, who was on the ground at the Vatican, described Pope Leo I 14th as a "bridgebuilder" who has spent his career uniting different cultures and communities. With a reputation for being intelligent, pastoral, and humble, Pope Leo I 14th is poised to carry on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
The Significance of the Name Leo
Pope Leo I 14th’s choice of name is significant, as it honors Leo I, a 5th-century Pope who wrote a document emphasizing the rights of workers. This nod to historical tradition suggests that Pope Leo I 14th will prioritize social justice issues, such as immigration and labor rights.
A New Era for the Church
As Pope Leo I 14th begins his papacy, the world watches with bated breath to see how he will address the pressing issues of our time. With his emphasis on unity, bridgebuilding, and social justice, this American-born Pontiff is poised to lead the Catholic Church into a new era of cooperation, compassion, and service to others.
