The Catholic Church has elected a new pope. His name is Pope Leo XIV. However, before he was pope, his name was Cardinal Robert Prevost. This is an even bigger deal than normal because for the first time in church history an American has been elected pope. It is a huge achievement for American Catholics everywhere.

Pope Leo XIV was born in 1955 in Chicago, Illinois. He became a priest and later a missionary in Peru. He helped many people there and became a bishop. In 2023, Pope Francis asked him to take an important job in the Vatican, where he would help choose new bishops. And because of this, people could finally see what a great leader he was and how much compassion he showed for others.

Pope Leo XIV is a calm, intelligent, and peaceful man. He has spent many years working for the Church and helping those in need. When he became pope, he said that he wants to be like Pope Francis. He meant this by continuing to help the poor, taking care of the planet, and working for peace.

Priests like Father Jason, recognize his good values and can’t wait to see what his leadership will bring.

“Pope Leo XIV will be a great inspiration for us all,” said Father Jason. “He brings with him leadership, care, integrity, and most of all the gift of Faith manifested in the Catholic Church.”

Many Catholics are excited to have an American pope, especially American Catholics themselves. It is a signal that the Church is embracing leaders from all over the globe. Although an American, Pope Leo XIV says he wants to be a pope for the world, not one particular country.

He has already made some simple choices in his first few days as pope to show how much effort and care he is going to put into the environment and his wants to live simply. Catholics around the globe can’t wait to see what he will do next.

The election of Pope Leo XIV is an important moment in Church history. It is a new beginning with hope for the future.