Pope Leo XIV chosen as new leader of the Catholic Church

Pope Leo XIV is the new head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. As the Successor of St. Peter and thus visible leader in unifying the faithful and advancing the Church’s God-given mission to “make disciples of all nations.”

He was elected pope in the 2025 conclave on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. Born in Chicago, United States, Prevost served as a priest, bishop, and cardinal.  Subsequently his ministry spanned the United States, Peru, and Rome/Vatican City. He first joined the Order of Saint Augustine as a young man and was ordained priest in 1982. His election marked a significant moment in Church history. 

The First American Pope

Markedly, He became the first American pontiff with him largely unknown to many Catholics prior to his papal election, including Americans. Indeed, Cardinal Prevost was a 66/1 longshot to become the Church’s 267^th pope. 

American cardinals who voted in the conclave played down the significance of the new pope’s roots in the United States, saying his service to the poor and the church had propelled him to the papacy.

Source: wikipedia©

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