Friday Briefing: The First American Pope

Pope Leo XIV appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, yesterday.Credit…Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times

An American was elected pope

Robert Prevost was elected yesterday as the new pope to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. He took the papal name Leo XIV and greeted a cheering crowd of followers at St. Peter’s Square by saying, “Peace be with you.”

The choice of an American to be pope was a break from tradition. “In a world that seems upside down, old taboos are also breaking in the Vatican, where the idea of an American pope was unimaginable for generations,” Jason Horowitz, our Rome bureau chief, said.

The cardinals reached their decision after a little more than 24 hours in the conclave. As pope, Leo will confront difficult decisions about the church’s direction, chiefly whether to continue Pope Francis’ agenda, championing greater inclusion and openness to change, or to chart a new course. We have reactions and live updates here.

Who is Leo? Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old pontiff spent much of his life outside the U.S. He served as missionary, parish priest, teacher and bishop for two decades in Peru. He was made a cardinal by Francis less than two years ago. Until the death of Francis, he held one of the most influential Vatican posts, running the office that selects and manages bishops globally.

A member of the Order of St. Augustine, he resembles Francis in his commitment to the poor and migrants and to meeting people where they are. It is unclear whether he will be as open to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics as Francis was. Here’s what else we know about him.

What’s next: Leo will celebrate Mass at the Sistine Chapel today with the cardinals who elected him. He will recite a prayer on Sunday at St. Peter’s Basilica. And, on Monday, he will meet with journalists at the Vatican.