American Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV, Celebrates First Mass

Robert Francis Prevost, the first American pope in history, celebrated his inaugural Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday morning, marking the beginning of his pontificate as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal Prevost, 69, who has chosen the papal name Leo XIV, was elected on the second day of the papal conclave that began on May 7.

The conclave brought together 133 cardinal electors, the largest number in Vatican history, following the death of Pope Francis at age 88 just over two weeks ago.

The historic announcement came Thursday when white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at approximately 6 p.m. local time in Vatican City (noon ET), accompanied by the traditional ringing of bells that signalled a successful election requiring a two-thirds majority vote.

More than 10,000 people had gathered in St. Peter’s Square awaiting the results, erupting in cheers as the newly elected pontiff made his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Chicago-born cardinal brings considerable international experience to the papacy, having served in Peru for two decades. Prior to his election, Prevost had been appointed by Pope Francis as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a significant position within the Vatican hierarchy.

Meanwhile, the Vatican has already released Pope Leo XIV’s schedule for the remainder of May, which includes several significant events:

– Sunday, May 11: His first Sunday blessing as pope, to be delivered at noon local time from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica

– Monday, May 12: A meeting with journalists in the Vatican auditorium

– Sunday, May 18: Formal installation as pope during a Mass in St. Peter’s Square

– Wednesday, May 21: His first general audience with the public

Additional appointments include meetings with cardinals, Vatican officials, and the diplomatic corps as the new pontiff begins his leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.

The election of the first American pope represents a historic shift for the Catholic Church, which has previously been led predominantly by European pontiffs, with recent exceptions including Pope Francis from Argentina.

According to reports, Prevost’s brother has expressed being “stunned” by the election, reflecting the surprise felt by many at the selection of the first pope from the United States.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, he faces numerous challenges, including declining church attendance in traditional Catholic strongholds, ongoing clergy abuse scandals, and calls for reforms on issues ranging from the role of women in the church to LGBTQ+ inclusion.