Catholics Welcome Leo XIV, an American Pope

The Chicago native leads the global church as the successor of St. Peter.

Pope Leo XIV on Thursday became the first American to be elevated to the See of Peter. Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, was born in Chicago and educated at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. A former superior general of the Augustinian order, he has served missionary postings as a priest and bishop in Peru and, since 2023, he has led the dicastery for bishops in Rome.

Pope Leo’s appearance on the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica was immediately noteworthy for several reasons. Most remarkable was how utterly at ease he seemed. He appeared relaxed in his own skin.

Continue reading at The Wall Street Journal.