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DLNews Breaking News:

Habemus Papam — and for the first time in history, he is American! Cheers and jubilation echoed across St. Peter’s Square and around the world as Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native, was introduced as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Leo XIV, he stepped onto the famous balcony and gently greeted the sea of faithful with his first words in Italian: “Pace a voi” — “Peace be with you.”

The historic election came after a day filled with suspense. For more than an hour, eager eyes were fixed on the balcony. When Leo XIV finally emerged, it was revealed that the delay was due to something charmingly relatable — he had taken time to carefully compose his first papal address in a simple college notebook. The moment captured the very essence of the new Pope: grounded, thoughtful, and deeply human.

Prevost’s journey to the Vatican throne is as remarkable as it is inspiring. Born to a French-Italian father and Spanish mother, the son of Chicago grew up playing tennis but later answered a higher calling as an Augustinian priest. His heart led him to Peru, where he spent decades immersed in missionary work, earning the affectionate nickname "Padre Bob." There, he became a beloved shepherd, renowned for his sense of justice and closeness to the people. Locals even saw him as a voice from the global South, bridging the worlds of Latin America and the United States.

In 2023, Pope Francis, who first met Prevost during his missionary days, appointed him Prefect of the powerful Dicastery for Bishops — a key Vatican role overseeing the appointment of the Church’s leaders. His election to the papacy signals a turning point, interpreted by many as a commitment to steering the Church toward a more global and inclusive vision. Known for balancing conservative and progressive ideals, Leo XIV is seen as a unifying figure, a compromise candidate chosen to embrace the whole world, not just Europe.

In an era where unity is needed more than ever, Pope Leo XIV’s gentle smile and words of peace offer renewed hope for Catholics everywhere — from the streets of Lima to the neighborhoods of Chicago. The world now watches with open hearts as the first American pontiff begins his remarkable journey.