Evil Will Not Prevail: Pope Leo XIV's Historic Ascension Sparks Hope and Unity

In a groundbreaking moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago-born cleric, has become the first US pontiff, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

Addressing a crowd of 100,000 pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square, he declared, "Peace be with you all... God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail."

Pope Leo XIV's election marks a significant shift in the Church's history, ending the Vatican's longstanding opposition to a US-born pontiff. His papal name, Leo XIV, references Pope Leo XIII, known for his groundbreaking encyclical "Rerum Novarum," which addressed workers' rights and dignity.

In his first speech, Pope Leo XIV emphasized peace, dialogue, and unity, calling on the faithful to be missionaries and build bridges. He paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, and emphasized the importance of working together for peace and justice.

US President Donald Trump congratulated Pope Leo XIV, despite previously angering Catholics with a social media post featuring an AI-generated picture of himself as pope. The pair may face similar differences, given Trump's previous interactions with Pope Francis.

Born in Chicago to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Pope Leo XIV joined the Augustinian order and served in various roles, including bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. His international experience and commitment to Church reforms likely influenced the cardinals' decision to elect him as the new Pope.