Historic Election: Cardinal Prevost Becomes First American Pope Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, sparking celebrations and reflections on his deep Chicago roots.
Prevost shared statements for years advocating for stronger support for migrants.
Here's what Pope Leo XIV has said about politics — and the Trump administration — on social media
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Americans and world leaders are cheering for the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, whose name is Robert Francis Prevost.
Pope Leo XIV reactions: Americans, global leaders cheer for Chicago native
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Our world — and, Lord knows, our nation — really could use another pope of kind heart and great soul right now, especially one who is a little bit bolder than the last.
Credit the Chicago nuns for Robert Prevost's rise to pope
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But throughout the city on Thursday, the news of a hometown pope had people in high spirits.
Chicago reacts to hometown Pope Leo: ‘Like the Cubs winning the World Series’
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The people love a cultural moment, especially when you can bring up prestige TV.
Have You Heard? The New Pope Is From Chicago
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Prevost's rise through the ranks is noteworthy, despite the allegations that have surfaced during his tenure.
Pope Leo XIV's 'godly' path from Chicago to the Vatican
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Pope Leo XIV was elected on the second day of the conclave, and his opening remarks as leader signalled continuity with Francis, who died on April 21 at age 88.
‘Leone!’ Vatican crowds hail Leo XIV as new pope of the Catholic Church
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If socialism were all it's cracked up to be, it would not have generated a horrifically oppressive regime whose depredations have led to the biggest refugee crisis in the history of the Western hemisphere.
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Getting the new pope to the ballpark could be a stretch for either the Cubs or the Sox, but if he does come to Chicago, at least he’ll have his choice of baseball activities.
Is Pope Leo XIV — the Chicago-born new pontiff — a Cubs or White Sox fan?
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His election represents continuity with the papacy of the late Pope Francis, and he is expected to continue Francis’ reforms of the church as well as his focus on poverty and marginalized people.
10 things to know about Robert Prevost, who is now Pope Leo XIV
CNN·14h·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.The election of the new pope coincides with a trio of former Villanova players leading the New York Knicks on an NBA playoff run.
Pope Leo XIV brings hope to Chicago sports fans, and the Knicks for their Villanova ties
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The power of the papacy extends far beyond Catholicism’s 1.4 billion followers.
Meet Robert Prevost, Who is Now Pope Leo
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However, in a statement in October 2024, he supported African bishops who pushed back against Francis’s 2023 document Fiducia Supplicans, which allowed priests to bless same-sex couples.
What to Know About Robert Francis Prevost: The First American Pope
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Despite Markey’s assertions that Leo will follow in Francis’ footsteps, the new pope has already differed from his predecessor in several ways, including taking the more traditional name "Leo" and by wearing the traditional red cape of the papacy, which Francis chose not to wear after his election in 2013.
Capitol Hill lawmakers react to election of first American pope: ‘Unbelievable’
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The 69-year-old Chicago native was chosen by 133 cardinal electors as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, making him the first pontiff born in the United States.
When is Pope Leo XIV’s first mass? Date, start time, where to watch Robert Francis Prevost
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Pope Leo XIV made history as the first American pontiff on Thursday, making his debut with a speech to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square.
READ IN FULL: Pope Leo XIV’s full first speech - Washington Examiner
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The new pope’s impact on the Catholic Church in America promises to be dramatic.
The Conclave Just Did the Unthinkable
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The political portrait that emerges is baffling to the American mind: liberal on immigration and the poor, conservative on abortion.
MAGA Melts Down Over First American Pope
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Leo is known to share some of the same priorities as Francis, particularly when it comes to the environment and outreach to migrants and the poor, according to The College of Cardinals Report, a resource created by a team of Vatican journalists.
Who is the new Pope Leo XIV and what are his views?
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The conclave’s choice of Leo XIV suggests an endorsement of Francis’s approach on this question, but, for now, the course of the church is in the hands of a pontiff who has been called the least American of the Americans.
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The truth is that only time will tell where Leo falls on the ideological spectrum.
Is the New Pope MAGA or Woke? Depends Who You Ask.
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Prevost will likely cease posting under his personal social media accounts now that he’s taken on the mantle of the global church.
MAGA Melts Down Over New Pope's Anti-Trump, Pro-Immigrant Social Media
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The US has the fourth largest number of Catholics.
Trump calls election of first American pope a 'great honour'
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In theory this is Leo backing a model of a listening church emphasized by Francis.
Is Leo truly the first American Pope?
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Prevost’s brother cardinals elected him in a shorter-than-expected conclave, which lasted two days and took only four ballots to reach a result.
Donald Trump Congratulates Pope Leo XIV, First American to Lead Catholic Church
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Prevost, the first American pope, will head up the Catholic Church as Leo XIV.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, first American pope: What to know
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Prevost does not support ordaining female deacons but has voiced favor for the synodal church model, which promotes decentralization.
What do we know about the new pope?
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Vatican watchers said Prevost’s decision to name himself Leo was particularly significant given the previous Leo’s legacy of social justice and reform, suggesting continuity with some of Francis’ chief concerns.
Chicago native Robert Prevost becomes the first American pope in history
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Like the former church leader, he has been critical of the Trump administration's treatment of migrants.
"What a great honor": Trump congratulates American pope who has previously chastised administration
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A historic moment was made even more so when the new pope was revealed to be from the U.S. for the first time in the millennial history of the Catholic church.
Cardinals choose pope from America for the first time in history
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Meet Robert Prevost, the first-ever pope born in the US
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More than anything, this election seems to be one of continuity, rather than a push further left or a swing to the right.
The New Pope Is an American Named Bob Who’s Been Critical of J.D. Vance. Here’s What Else We Know.
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Prevost had to overcome the taboo against a U.S. pope, given the geopolitical power already wielded by the United States in the secular sphere.
Pope Leo XIV had to overcome the taboo against a U.S. pontiff
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Prevost had to overcome the taboo against a U.S. pope, given the geopolitical power already wielded by the United States in the secular sphere.
Who is Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV?
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Catholicism is experiencing a surge in the United States to which this appointment will most likely contribute.
Who is the new Pope Leo XIV? Robert Francis Prevost
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The major news networks are livestreaming the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pope: How to Watch His First Appearance
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As pope, Leo XIV will confront the numerous challenges facing the church today, including on issues concerning LGBTQ Catholics, the role of women in the church, Catholicism’s growth in Asia and Africa, and the church’s sordid history of sexual abuse by the clergy.
Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States elected as pope
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The new pope inherits a spiritual flock of 1.39 billion Catholics and will likely need to address an increasingly secularized world, clerical sex abuses of minors and the fallout, as well as global conflicts, both armed and rhetorical.
Daily Caller·21h·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.Past popes have shaped the larger world beyond the Catholic Church, and it was not lost on some that Leo might too.
Americans in St. Peter's Square Were Stunned by Choice of new pope
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The conclave is assembled to elect a new leader of the Roman Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis at age 88 last month.
American Robert Prevost elected first pope from US, will take name Leo XIV
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Summary
Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, making history as the first American-born pope. Celebrations erupted in Chicago, with residents expressing pride in their native son who has deep ties to the community. From his upbringing in Dolton and education at local schools to his connections with the St. Rita community, Prevost symbolizes hope and compassion. Amid celebrations, critiques surfaced regarding his handling of past church controversies. World leaders, including U.S. politicians, praised the selection, hoping for a papacy that fosters goodwill and social justice. Prevost's early experiences and teachings from devoted nuns are highlighted as foundational influences.
Perspectives
Cardinal Robert Prevost, also known as Pope Leo XIV, is the first American pope in history, elected after the death of Pope Francis. His American upbringing, particularly his Catholic school education in Chicago, has shaped his compassionate moral code.
His election is significant not only due to his extensive experience in Peru but also because he continues to uphold the values imparted to him by his formative years and the nuns who taught him to care for others.
Prevost aims to continue Pope Francis's legacy while also drawing on his background in social justice to bring a new perspective to the papacy.
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