The Roman Catholic Church on Thursday announced Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as its 267th pope, marking a historic shift.
The 69-year-old, who hails from Chicago, Illinois, chose the name Pope Leo XIV after his election by 133 cardinal electors during the third ballot at the Vatican.
His emergence as the first American Pope in the over 2000-year history of the Church was met with both celebration and concern.
While thousands cheered in Saint Peter’s Square as white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, others questioned the political and cultural implications of this development.
The announcement was made by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti, as nearly 45,000 gathered to witness the moment.
Pope Leo XIV’s first words from the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica were, “Peace be with all of you,” echoing Jesus’ post-resurrection greeting.
He added, “God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward.”
Shortly after his emergence, an AI-generated image of former U.S. President Donald Trump dressed as a pope surfaced online.
It had been posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, raising eyebrows and sparking a fresh wave of debate over church and state relations.
The former president, however, congratulated the new pontiff, saying, “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American Pope.
What excitement, and what a Great honour for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
This message was seen by many as a diplomatic gesture, but questions linger about whether the AI image had any influence or was simply coincidence.
Moreover, some critics believe that having an American Pope may blur lines between faith and geopolitics.
