Following the death of Pope Francis, the conclave elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the U.S. as the 267th Pope of the Universal Church on the second day of the conclave, May 8. The long-awaited proclamation, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!), was made in Latin by Cardinal Proto-Deacon Dominique Mamberti to Rome and the world.
Cardinal Mamberti also announced that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost had taken the official papal name Leo XIV. When white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel that Thursday evening, more than 100,000 people had gathered in and around St. Peter’s Square to see the new successor of Peter and receive the Pope’s first “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) blessing.
The new Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV, appeared at the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica and greeted everyone with a smile. His first words to the faithful were, “Peace be with you all.” He said the peace of the Risen Christ is non-violent, disarming, humble, and steadfast. It comes from God who loves us unconditionally.
Pope Leo added, “The world needs the light of Christ. Humanity needs Christ like a bridge that brings God and His love to all. Let us join hands and build bridges to live in peace through dialogue and encounters. I am a Christian with you and a bishop for you,” said the spiritual son of Saint Augustine. “Let us walk together toward the kingdom God has prepared for us. Let us strive together to be a missionary Church, a Church of dialogue and bridges, welcoming others with open arms like this very square. Let us open our mercy, presence, conversations, and love to those who need it.”
At the end of his message, the Pope recited the invocation “O Mary, full of grace” in Italian. After the prayer, Cardinal Mamberti informed that the Pope would give his first “Urbi et Orbi” blessing. He reminded everyone that by receiving it—either in person or through media—they could obtain plenary indulgence under the conditions prescribed by the Church. Pope Leo XIV then gave his Apostolic Blessing “Urbi et Orbi” to all.
The First Augustinian Pope from North America Pope Leo XIV is the first Pope from the Augustinian Order in North America. He was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, to Louis Marius Prevost, a French-Italian naval officer, and Mildred Martinez, a Spanish-descent librarian. He is proficient in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, and also has knowledge of Latin and German.
He was ordained a priest in 1982. From 2015 to 2023, he served as the Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 2023. At the time of his election, he was serving as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in the Vatican.
