Cardinal Robert Prevost elected first American pope

Cardinal Robert Prevost, originally from the Chicago area and currently serving as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, has been elected as the new pope. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV. This election is historic as he becomes the first American to hold this position in the Catholic Church's history.

His election holds particular significance for Providence Catholic, where he was a guest last August and celebrated a special Mass for their community. The announcement resonates deeply with them due to his recent visit.

Additionally, Pope Leo XIV is noted as being the first Augustinian to become pope. The global Catholic community expresses its welcome through prayer and thanksgiving while looking forward with hope and faith.