Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV, Becomes First American Pontiff, Calls for Peace and Unity in First Address from Vatican Balcony

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:13pm on 08 May 2025,Thursday International

In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the U.S. has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The 69-year-old Chicago-born missionary appeared on the Vatican balcony to warm cheers from over 40,000 gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Delivering his first address, he spoke of peace, unity, and bridge-building, praising his predecessor, Pope Francis. He offered greetings in Italian and Spanish, reflecting his missionary years in Peru. Former President Donald Trump congratulated him, calling it a “great honor” for the U.S. The conclave's choice marks a new chapter for the Church. (PC: BBC)

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