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Chicago's Cardinal Elected as First American Pope
Pope Leo XIV visits Monaco, the second-smallest nation, on his first European trip since being elected.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:00pm
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In a historic move, Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago was elected as the first American Pope in 2025, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. After the passing of Pope Francis, the 76-year-old Prevost was chosen to lead the Catholic Church, becoming the first non-European pontiff in over 1,300 years. Pope Leo recently made his first European visit, traveling by helicopter to the Principality of Monaco at the invitation of Prince Albert.
Why it matters
The election of an American Pope represents a significant shift in the leadership of the Catholic Church, which has traditionally been dominated by European clergy. Pope Leo's background and global perspective are expected to bring new energy and ideas to the papacy, particularly in engaging with the faithful in the United States and addressing issues of social justice and inequality.
The details
On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago was elected as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American to hold the position. Pope Leo, who speaks multiple languages including English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and French, recently made his first European visit to the Principality of Monaco at the invitation of Prince Albert. Due to Monaco's lack of an airport, Pope Leo flew by helicopter directly to the small Catholic nation, avoiding the need to touch down on French soil and triggering diplomatic protocols.
- On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV.
- On March 28, 2026, Pope Leo visited Monaco for the first time since becoming Pope.
The players
Pope Leo XIV
The first American Pope, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, Illinois in 1955. He was elected to the papacy in 2025 after the passing of Pope Francis.
Prince Albert of Monaco
The ruler of the Principality of Monaco, a small Catholic nation, who invited Pope Leo XIV to visit the country on his first European trip as Pope.
What they’re saying
“Buonasera”
— Pope Leo XIV, Pope
What’s next
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Monaco is expected to strengthen ties between the Vatican and the small European nation, which has a long history of close relations with the Catholic Church. The Pope's fluency in multiple languages and global perspective are anticipated to shape his leadership in the years to come.
The takeaway
The election of the first American Pope represents a historic shift in the leadership of the Catholic Church, which has traditionally been dominated by European clergy. Pope Leo XIV's background and global outlook are expected to bring new energy and ideas to the papacy, particularly in engaging with the faithful in the United States and addressing issues of social justice and inequality.
