An announcement came today from Vatican City:

“WE HAVE A POPE. The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord Robert Francis Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost, who has taken the name Leo XIV.”

Cardinal Prevost – now Pope Leo XIV – is from Chicago, Illinois. He is the first American Pope, and only the second from this hemisphere of the globe, with his predecessor being the first.

Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of the Archdiocese of Mobile released a statement about Pope Leo XIV:

“It’s a day to rejoice and it is certainly a historic day for our Church and our country with the naming of the first American pope.

I think it’s significant he has taken the name Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo XIV will explain to us in the upcoming days why he chose that name, but Pope Leo XIII was known as the pope of the working people so I expect Pope Leo XIV will give great attention to the dignity of all people.

Pope Leo XIV is known as a man of sound judgement, humility and strength. Let us all pray for Leo XIV as he begins his ministry as the successor of St. Peter.”

The first words of Pope Leo XIV? “Peace be with you.”