An American Cardinal has been chosen as the new Pope of the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Robert Prevost is the first American Pontiff in history and has chosen to be called Pope Leo XIV. He was elected on the second day of the conclave of Cardinals.
The 69-year-old was born in Chicago to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent. He was ordained a priest of the Augustinian Order in 1982 and moved to Peru, three years later, returning regularly to the US to serve as a pastor and a prior in his home city.
In 2014, Pope Francis made him Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. He became an archbishop in January 2023 and within a few months, Pope Francis made him a cardinal.
He has Peruvian nationality and is fondly remembered as a figure who worked with marginalized communities, and helped build bridges. He, most recently, led a powerful Vatican office responsible for the appointment of bishops.
He said, in an interview with Vatican News, after he was named Dicastery for Bishops, “I still consider myself a missionary. My vocation, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is.”
In his first words as Pope, he spoke fondly of his predecessor Pope Francis, “We still hear in our ears the weak, but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us,” he said.
Ahead of the conclave, some cardinals called for continuity with Francis’ vision of greater openness and reform, while others said they wanted to turn back the clock and embrace old traditions.
Bishop Kolio sends congratulations to Pope Leo XIV
The leader of the Catholic Church in American Samoa, Bishop Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale has offered his congratulations to the new Pontiff.
On behalf of the local Diocese, Bishop Kolio said, “With hearts full of joy and reverence, we offer our sincerest congratulations to his Holiness, our newly elected Pope. As the successor of Saint Peter and Shepherd of the Universal Church, may your papacy be guided by the Holy Spirit, rooted in humility, and filled with wisdom, compassion and strength.” He added, “We pray that your leadership will inspire unity, peace, and renewal in Christ’s name across the world. May God bless you abundantly as you begin this sacred mission.”
Statement from Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata
“As one of the more than a billion Catholic worshippers worldwide, I am delighted to welcome the announcement of Pope Leo XIV. Watching the ceremonies is a special and joyous occasion. Leading the Church forward is a great international undertaking and responsibility, and possibly the most influential role in the world. He is the second Pope in a row with strong ties to South America, and the first U.S.-born Pope in history. I appreciate his opening words of unity and peace that he delivered to the world from the Vatican, as we look forward to his Papacy with hope and joy.”
