‘Habemus papam’: from Chicago to Peru to Pope Leo XIV

History was made on Thursday, 8 May 2025, when cardinals gathered in Rome for the conclave elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as the first ever pope from the United States, with his papal name declared as Leo XIV.

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In brief remarks after stepping out onto the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica late on Thursday afternoon, Pope Leo XIV said his words marked “the first greeting of Christ resurrected, the good pastor who gave life for the Lord”.

He asked that the hearts of individuals and families be filled with peace, “whoever they are, all peoples and the whole earth, peace be with you”.

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