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1st American Pope Named [PHOTOS]

See photos of Robert Prevost become Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history of the Catholic Church.

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Pope Leo XIV appears on the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica after being chosen the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Pope Leo XIV appears on the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica after being chosen the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

ACROSS AMERICA — Robert Prevost was named the first American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church. The Chicago native will take the name Pope Leo XIV.

In his first words as Pope to the people, Pope Leo XIV says, "Peace be with you," and then goes on to discuss unity and love.

Prevost, who is a 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order, appeared today on the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica in full garb, including the traditional red cape of the Papacy.

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Prevost earned his bachelor of science in mathematics from Villanova in 1977, and joined the Order of Saint Augustine immediately following graduation, according to a brief biography on the Villanova website.

See photos from this exciting day in history below:

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Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, left, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, appears on the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican shortly after his election as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
People react after Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced the election of Cardinal Robert F. Prevost as the 267th pope, choosing the name of Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announces the election of Cardinal Robert F. Prevost as the 267th pope, choosing the name of Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
People react as the newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
White smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Faithful hold a banner reading "Up with the pope", after white smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Crowds cheer in St. Peter's square after the election of the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
People react as the newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Faithful holds an American flag following the election of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

The Associated Press contributed to this post.

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