How Pope Leo XIV’s global & domestic influence will be measured, scrutinized as he pledges to unify

Since the United States was founded in 1776, 17 popes have presided over the Catholic Church. Until May 8, 2025, none of the men who held the post in the Vatican had been from the United States. History was made that day when Robert Prevost emerged on the balcony and proclaimed to the thousands of people from around the world who had assembled below in St. Peter’s Square: “La pace sia con tutti voi.” Pope Leo XIV‘s first words were “Peace be with you all.” Prevost‘s election was stunning news because no one thought an American would or could become Pope. Yet, this son of Chicago‘s South Side won the majority vote of the conclave.