Inp.polri.go.id - Rome.  Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the first Pope from the United States, taking the papal name Leo XIV.

Prevost, a curial cardinal, was known for his close relationship with the late Pope Francis. He was chosen as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church on the second day of the conclave held at the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican on Thursday (8/5/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com

At 69 years old, Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was born in Chicago to a French family. He is a member of the Augustinian Order and previously served in Peru.

The U.S. bishop, who is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French, has shown a particular focus on the marginalized and migrants in Peru, a commitment highly valued by Pope Francis. Prevost was appointed cardinal by the late Pope Francis in 2023.

The new leader of the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide has also served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)