Election of Robert Prevost as new Pope is historic for the United States – Barack Obama

Former US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle have congratulated the new Pope, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, on his election to lead the Catholic Church.

In a post on his X page, Mr Obama stated that the election of Pope Leo XIV is a historic day for the United States,

“Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith,” his post said.

Robert Prevost was announced as the new Pope on Thursday, May 8, becoming the first Pope born in North America.

By this, he becomes leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Profile

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American to ascend to the papacy.

Early Life & Education

• Born: September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
• Heritage: French, Italian, and Spanish descent.
• Education:
  • B.Sc. in Mathematics, Villanova University (1977).
  • Master of Divinity, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.
  • Licentiate & Doctorate in Canon Law, Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome.
  • Doctoral thesis: The role of the local prior in the Order of Saint Augustine.

Missionary & Pastoral Work

• Joined the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977; took solemn vows in 1981.
• Missionary in Peru (from 1985):
  • Chancellor of the Prelature of Chulucanas.
  • Director of formation for Augustinian aspirants.
  • Held various leadership roles: prior, teacher, judicial vicar, and seminary professor.
• Appointed Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo in 2014.
• Consecrated as Bishop in December 2014.

 Vatican Roles

• Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops (2023).
• Elevated to Cardinal in 2023 by Pope Francis.
• Served as President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

Papacy

• Elected Pope on May 8, 2025, after the death of Pope Francis.
• Took the name Pope Leo XIV, honoring Pope Leo XIII.
• First American Pope in Church history.

Personal Traits & Skills

• Dual citizen: USA and Peru.
• Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian.
• Known for:
  • Deep ties to Latin America.
  • Strong background in canon law and pastoral leadership.
  • Emphasis on bridging tradition with global Church realities.