Robert Francis Prevost elected Pope, takes the name Leo XIV; first Pope from the United States
The Conclave elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope on 8 May 2025; he took the name Leo XIV and is the first Pope from the United States of America and the first Augustinian Pope.
Summary
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope on 8 May 2025 by 133 cardinal electors in the Sistine Chapel and took the name Leo XIV, the Vatican said. He is the 267th Pope, the first from the United States and the first from the Augustinian Order. Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced 'Habemus Papam' from the central loggia of St Peter's Basilica. Born in Chicago on 14 September 1955, he served for years as a missionary in Peru and was Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America before his election. PM Narendra Modi conveyed India's felicitations.
Key facts
- Elected
- 8 May 2025
- Papal name
- Leo XIV
- Birth name
- Robert Francis Prevost
- Number
- 267th Pope
- Firsts
- First Pope from the USA; first Augustinian Pope
- Born
- 14 September 1955, Chicago
- Cardinal electors
- 133
- Announced by
- Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Pope Leo XIV, elected on 8 May 2025, is which Pope in history according to the Vatican?
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Correct answer: C — 267th
The Vatican described him as the 267th Pope (267th Bishop of Rome).
Consider the following statements about Pope Leo XIV: 1. He is the first Pope from the United States of America. 2. He was born in Lima, Peru. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 14 September 1955; he served as a missionary in Peru.
Who announced 'Habemus Papam' and the name of the new Pope from the central loggia of St Peter's Basilica on 8 May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Cardinal Dominique Mamberti
Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti made the announcement.
How many cardinal electors gathered in the Conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV?
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Correct answer: D — 133
As per L'Osservatore Romano, 133 cardinal electors gathered in the Sistine Chapel.