New Pope Leo XIV: Cardinals Elect First U.S.-Born Head of the Catholic Church

The world of Catholicism held its breath last week, and on May 8, 2025, the wait ended with a historic announcement. After days of closed-door voting, the conclave of cardinals in Vatican City elected a new pope, choosing 69-year-old American Cardinal Robert Prevost as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church. Taking the name Leo XIV, he marks a groundbreaking moment: the first pope ever to hail from the United States. Journalists from TheMors have delved into the details of his election, his background, and what this means for the global Catholic community. Who Is Leo XIV and How Was He Chosen? Robert Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, far from the ornate halls of Rome. His journey to the papacy began with missionary work, spending much of his life in Peru with the Order of Saint Augustine. There, he rose to become bishop of Chiclayo, earning a reputation as a down-to-earth leader who connected with ordinary people. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefec...