In a groundbreaking moment for the Catholic Church and American history, Queens elected officials are proudly celebrating the appointment of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV.
The 69-year-old Chicago native becomes the first American to be elected pope, assuming the role of the 267th successor to Saint Peter and leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Prevost’s path to the papacy has been shaped by a life of service that spans cultures and continents. Ordained in 1982, he left the U.S. just three years later to begin missionary work in Peru, where he spent decades immersed in grassroots ministry and leadership.
Despite living much of his life in Latin America, Prevost retained close ties to his home country, frequently returning to Chicago to serve as both pastor and prior.
Pope Leo XIV holds dual nationality, having become a Peruvian citizen during his extended ministry in the country. In Peru, he is warmly remembered for his decade-long tenure as a parish pastor and teacher at a seminary in Trujillo, in the country’s northwestern region.
In 2014, Pope Francis named him Bishop of Chiclayo, deepening his influence in the region. His global stature rose further when he was appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, an important role responsible for selecting and supervising bishops across Latin America. He was made an archbishop in January 2023 and, within months, was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis.
Despite his global reach, it is Pope Leo XIV’s American heritage that is resonating deeply in Queens and across the United States. Local leaders from New York’s most diverse borough were quick to voice their admiration and hopes for the new pontiff.
“As an American and as a Catholic, I feel deeply honored and proud to celebrate the historic election of our first American pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, taking the name Leo XIV. This momentous occasion reflects the values of faith, perseverance, and service that define our nation and inspire people around the world,” stated Senator Joseph Addabbo.
“Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective and renewed hope to the global Catholic community. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and prayers for wisdom, compassion, and strength as he begins this sacred journey. This achievement exemplifies the power of diversity, unity, and faith to transcend borders and bring people together in pursuit of peace and justice.”
Council Member Robert Holden, who represents District 30, expressed his pride in the appointment.
“We are all proud that America now has its first-ever pope to lead the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. As a Catholic legislator, I’m deeply gratified by this historic moment and look forward to Pope Leo XIV spreading the message of our Church across the globe,” he said.
District 32 Council Member Joann Ariola enthusiastically declared on social media: “We have a new pope! God Bless Pope Leo XIV! The first American pope!”
Council Member Vickie Paladino, who represents District 19, shared similar sentiments while looking ahead to the years to come.
“Congratulations to our new Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope ever. Our prayers are with him as he takes on this role and leads our Church into a brighter future!” she added.
Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar reflected on the Pope’s opening message and expressed her pride after the momentous conclave.
“A historic day. I was proud to watch Pope Leo XIV—our first American pope—deliver a powerful first speech about love, inclusion, and hope,” she remarked.
“He reminded the world that God’s love knows no bounds and that evil will never prevail. A moment of light for all of humanity.”
Senator Jessica Ramos provided a broader perspective, reminding constituents of “St. Augustine’s belief that our wellbeing is bound to that of our neighbors.”
“In this new chapter, may Catholics and all people be guided by a deeper commitment to justice, compassion, and unity,” she added.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards used his platform to emphasize the significance of the new Pope for local communities across the country.
“What a momentous day for Catholics here in Queens and across the world. We have a Pope — an American Pope, at that. God bless Pope Leo XIV and every member of the Church,” he wrote.
“May his leadership inspire Catholics and non-Catholics alike to continue building bridges and uniting communities, especially here in The World’s Borough.”
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, many in Queens and around the world are hopeful that his unique blend of American roots and global experience will bring a renewed focus on compassion, inclusion and unity to the Catholic Church.
