Pope Leo XIV becomes first American pope, marking new era for the Catholic Church

CHICAGO -- From the South Side to the Vatican, Chicago is home to the holy father, the newly elected pontiff, Robert Prevost.

Much like his predecessor, that will rewrite the long-standing traditions of the Catholic Church.

Prevost’s appointment to pontiff marks the first time in history that a pope has been American.

The Chicago native will now take the papal name Leo XIV, a name he says was taken in honor of the late pope Leo XIII, who was a strong revolutionary and reformer who navigated the church through industrialization in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

In the most recent two appointments of the pope, the Catholic Church has broken barriers from electing the church’s first ever South American pope and now electing the first American pope.

When the announcement of Pope Francis' death first shook the world back on April 21, many suggested that this conclave may be the first time an American would have a real shot at the position.

Going into the conclave, the odds for Pope Leo XIV to be chosen were set at 50 to one.

Cardinals elected Pope Leo after four votes, one less than it took them to appoint Pope Francis back in 2013 and the same amount of time it took them to appoint Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.

During his time in the Catholic clergy, Leo XIV spent much of his actual service in South America, the home continent of his predecessor.

While American, Leo spent the last 13 years in Peru and became a naturalized citizen, having been appointed to the country back in 2013.

Leo would later be appointed a cardinal in 2023 and given a new, powerful job title.

He worked hand in hand with Pope Francis as Dicastery for Bishops.

The position gave him the responsibility of selecting future bishops, forming many connections within the Catholic Church.