Cardinal Robert Prevost comes first U.S. pope taking the name Leo XIV

A historic moment for the Catholic Church, as the first American pope, Leo XIV, has been elected.

Known for his deep ties to Latin America, he’s seen as a bridge between tradition and reform.

Shin Se-byuck reports.

As white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Vatican's Sistine Chapel at 6:05 PM on Thursday local time, the world welcomed a new pope.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Leo XIV, has become the first American pope in the over 2-thousand-year history of the Catholic Church.

Emerging in the traditional white cassock, the new pope appeared on the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square to deliver his first message to the world.

The 67-year-old was elected on the fourth round of voting, just two days after the conclave began, with at least two-thirds of the 133 cardinal votes needed to confirm his selection.

His election comes 17 days after the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

In the Vatican, the atmosphere was one of celebration as the faithful welcomed the newly elected pontiff.

"Having the leader of the Catholic Church to be from the same country as I am, I have just felt like I just felt very proud."

"Really happy and really happy. It’s a big surprise and a big blessing for the church and for the church in the United States, and the church in the Americas."

U.S. President Donald Trump also took to social media, saying it's an "honor" to see the first American pope.

Back in his hometown of Chicago, the mood was equally celebratory.

"Very surprised and then elated."

"It's exciting. American. It's it's nice for us."

Born in 1955 in Chicago, Leo XIV served in Peru for two decades, working with indigenous communities and the poor before being appointed archbishop in 2015.

In 2023, he was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis and took on the influential role of prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing key church appointments.

The name "Leo," from the Latin word for "lion," symbolizes strength, courage, and leadership in the Catholic tradition.

The last pope to bear the name, Leo XIII, who served for 25 years from 1878, is credited with laying the foundation for modern Catholic teaching by addressing the social challenges of the industrial era.

Cardinal Prevost's choice of the name Leo XIV is seen as a nod to this legacy.

His diverse background, combining North American roots and deep Latin American connections, is being viewed as a potential bridge within the global Church, appealing to both conservative and progressive factions.

Looking ahead, Leo XIV is expected to visit South Korea in 2027 for the next World Youth Day.

This would mark the fourth visit by a pope to South Korea and the first in 13 years since Pope Francis visited in August 2014.

Shin Se-byuck, Arirang News.