Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago native, has been elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American to lead the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis. Vatican News shared video footage showing emotional moments of Pope Leo embracing fellow Cardinals after the announcement and praying privately in the Sistine Chapel.
Previously the Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and head of the Order of Saint Augustine, Pope Leo emphasized unity and love in his first public address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“May peace be with all of you,” he began, calling for a “missionary church” that builds bridges and promotes justice.
Social media users praised his humility, grace, and hopeful message, expressing optimism for his papacy and its potential to bring unity both to the Church and the world.