Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago, has made history as the first American pope, taking the name Leo XIV. He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke and heart failure.
The conclave moved faster than expected, concluding in just one day. Though other candidates were considered, “the College of Cardinals swiftly reached a two-thirds majority vote, bypassing other frontrunners.” Prevost’s election marks a major moment in Church history.
