Ben Ezechime, Enugu
American, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new Pope to replace Pope Francis who died on Easter Monday April 21, 2025, and as the 267th successor to Apostle Peter according to the Catholic church.
Robert Francis Prevost, was born on September 14, 1955, and has been a Peruvian-American Catholic prelate.
He has been head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State since May 8 2025.
The new Pope, who has taken the title of Pope Leo XIV, is the first American pope.
He served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since 2023.
He previously served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023, and was prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.
In 2015 Cardinal Prevost became a naturalized citizen of Peru.
In his first speech, Pope Leo XIV called for unity, peace, and a renewed sense of faith, declaring that “the world needs His light” in reference to Jesus Christ.
Speaking from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, invoked the memory of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
He said: “Let us hold in our hearts the faint yet powerful voice of Pope Francis, who once blessed the city of Rome.
“The Pope who, on that Easter morning, extended his blessing not only to Rome but to the entire world.
“Allow me now to continue that blessing: God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Therefore, without fear, and united, hand in hand with God and with one another, let us move forward together.
“We are the disciples of Christ, and Christ goes before us. The world needs His light. Humanity needs Him as the bridge to God and His boundless love.
“Let us work together to build bridges through dialogue and encounter, that we may become one people, living always in peace.
“I thank Pope Francis deeply. I also wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to my brother Cardinals who have chosen me to be the successor of Peter, to walk with you as one united Church, always seeking peace and justice, and working with all men and women who faithfully follow Jesus Christ, without fear, proclaiming the Gospel and being true missionaries of hope.
“I am a son of Saint Augustine, and I recall his words: “With you, I am a Christian; for you, I am a bishop.” In that spirit, may we all journey together to the home that God has prepared for us.
“To the Church, I offer a special greeting. We must strive to be a missionary Church, one that builds bridges, one that embraces dialogue, and one that welcomes all with open arms. Let our presence be one of charity and communion, rooted in love.
“I also wish to greet you in Spanish, especially my beloved brothers and sisters in my former diocese in Peru—a faithful people who walked with me, shared their faith with me, and helped to build a devoted and vibrant Church.
“To all the faithful in Rome, throughout Italy, and across the world: we must be a synodal Church—a Church that walks together, that seeks peace, charity and draws near to those who suffer,” he said.
