Robert Prevost from U.S. becomes new Pope, taking name Leo XIV

This was reported by Vatican News.

It is noted that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV, became the new Pope. He became the first person from the U.S. to hold this position.

In his first words as Pope, Leo XIV said to the crowd in St. Peter’s Square: “Peace be with you all.” The new Pope also called on people to “show our charity” to others “and be in dialogue with love,” according to CNN.

President Donald Trump celebrated the news that the Conclave elected its first U.S. Pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, calling the news “a Great Honor for our Country.”

Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost), 69, is an American Catholic cardinal. Since 2023, he has served as Prefect of the Dicastery for the Prelacy of Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Prior to that, he served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023, and was Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine from 2001 to 2013.

Ukraine's reaction

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated the new Pope Leo XIV on his election.

He emphasized that Ukraine highly appreciates the consistent position of the Holy See on the observance of international law, condemnation of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and protection of the rights of innocent civilians.

“At this crucial moment for our country, we hope for further moral and spiritual support from the Vatican for Ukraine's efforts to restore justice and achieve lasting peace. I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration, spiritual and physical strength in fulfilling his high mission,” the President added.