The Catholic world is celebrating the election of a new Pope. The 69-year-old American-born Robert Prevost was unveiled as the new pontiff yesterday evening, after a two day conclave at the Vatican City.

He is the first pontiff who was born in the US, but also has strong ties to Peru and is considered as much a cardinal from Latin America as from the US due to the many years he spent as a missionary in Peru.

He will be known as Pope Leo XIV (14th).

Thousands of people cheered for their new Pope after he emerged on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, chanting “Viva il Papa” – Long live the Pope.

Speaking from the Vatican balcony just after being unveiled as the new pontiff, Pope Leo called for unity and peace. He also paid tribute to Pope Francis.

World leaders have congratulated the new Pope on his election. US President Donald Trump has called it a “great honour” to have a pope from the US.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said the election of Pope Leo XIV is a profound moment for the Catholic Church as well as the global community which followed this event with hopeful anticipation.

“May the ceremonial white smoke that signalled the consensus of the Conclave prevail over the dark plumes of military bombardments affecting various regions of the world today. Pope Leo XIV’s early emphasis on peace is a call that resonates with most of humanity and is one that honours the legacy of the late Pope Francis. South Africa wishes Pope Leo XIV a blessed and transformative papacy that will strengthen faith, unity and social solidarity in the world.”

Pope Leo XIV’s early life

Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Prevost dedicated his early clerical career to the Order of Saint Augustine.

His service included extensive work in Peru from 1985 to 1986 and 1988 to 1998, where he served as a parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary teacher, and administrator.

Elected Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013, he later returned to Peru as Bishop of Chiclayo (2015–2023).

In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and the president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, and created him a cardinal the same year. These roles elevated his prominence as a papal candidate.

Leo XIV is the first American and first Peruvian pontiff; he is the second pope from the Americas. He is the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine and the seventh from orders following the Rule of Saint Augustine.