Historic Papal Election: Chicago Cardinal Becomes Pope Leo XIV

VATICAN CITY — After just one day of deliberation, cardinals concluded the 2025 papal conclave, electing Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. This marks a historic moment as Prevost becomes the first pope from the United States.

Prevost, who also holds Peruvian citizenship, previously served as the head of the Vatican‘s Dicastery for Bishops, where he oversaw the selection of new bishops. He is viewed as a centrist within the church but holds progressive views on many social issues, aligning with Pope Francis in his support for marginalized groups. However, he remains conservative on some doctrinal matters, such as opposing the ordination of women as deacons.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost’s selection as pope means he will adopt a new name, signifying a new beginning in his papacy. This tradition has roots in early Christianity, where popes would change their names owing to the pagan origins of their birth names. The Vatican notes that the practice was established by St. Peter, originally named Simon.

Historical precedent shows that while many popes have chosen new names—129 out of the 267 popes—some opted to keep their birth names or select names that reflect innovation rather than continuity. For instance, Pope Francis was the first to take the name of St. Francis of Assisi.

As Pope Leo XIV, Prevost’s election reflects both the rich tradition of the papacy and a shift towards inclusivity in the church.