Cardinal Robert Prevost, first American pope: What to know

Cardinals choose a brand new pope on the second day of voting.

Cardinal Robert Prevost has develop into the Catholic Church’s new pope.

His election was introduced by the Vatican on Thursday afternoon, with the newly elected pope stepping out to deal with these gathered in St. Peter’s Sq. shortly thereafter.

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of america, seems on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on the Vatican on Thursday. (Guglielmo Mangiapane / Reuters)

Prevost, the primary American pope, will head up the Catholic Church as Leo XIV.

CARDINAL ROBERT PREVOST ANNOUNCED AS FIRST AMERICAN POPE, TAKING NAME LEO XIV

The brand new pope, who’s 69, hails from Chicago initially.

He’s a graduate of Villanova College from the category of 1977, in response to the School of Cardinals Report. He obtained a arithmetic diploma from the varsity.

Pope Leo XIV seems on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday. (Guglielmo Mangiapane / Reuters)

“As an Augustinian Catholic institution, we celebrate this significant day for our University community and the global Church,” Villanova President Rev. Peter Donohue mentioned in an announcement following Pope Leo XIV’s election. “Known for his humility, gentle spirit, prudence and warmth, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our educational mission.”  

He additionally holds a Grasp of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union and a doctorate from the Pontifical School of St. Thomas Aquinas, per the School of Cardinals Report. 

Pope Leo XIV first grew to become a priest in 1982.

He has important ties to Peru, the place he served for a few years, together with because the Bishop of Chiclayo, The Related Press reported. He reportedly has Peruvian citizenship.

He grew to become the president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Fee for Latin America in early 2023. On the identical time, Pope Francis made him the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, in response to the Vatican. 

Previous to his election as pope, he had been a cardinal for over a yr and a half, an appointment he additionally acquired from Pope Francis. 

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost attends the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican Metropolis on April 19. (Franco Origlia / Getty Photos)

BEFORE POPE FRANCIS DIED, THIS IS WHERE HE DIRECTED HIS REMAINING MONEY TO GO

He holds related stances as Francis on some points, such because the setting and compassion for the poor and migrants, the School of Cardinals Report reported.

Francis died on April 21, setting in movement the conclave wherein the church’s cardinals finally chosen Leo XIV, the 267th pope, to succeed him.

‘DIO BENEDICA IL PAPA,’ OTHER WELL WISHES FOR THE NEW PONTIFF, POPE LEO XIV, IN ITALIAN

President Donald Trump supplied his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on TruthSocial.

“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope,” he wrote. “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”