Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. He is the first pope to be born in the United States and also holds Peruvian citizenship, having spent much of his life there. He was chosen as leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics on the second day of the conclave by 133 cardinals in the Sistine Chapel.
His election has sparked celebrations in his hometown of Chicago, with figures such as Mayor Brandon Johnson and former President Barack Obama offering congratulations. His brothers, Louis and John Prevost, shared their reactions to his historic rise, even settling the debate about his baseball loyalty—he favors the White Sox over the Cubs.
Beyond Chicago, his alma mater, Villanova University, has inspired excitement among New York Knicks fans, who see his election as a potential good omen for their team. Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Jesús “Chuy” Garcia praised Leo’s stance on immigration, poverty, and environmental issues.