New Pope Leo XIV Is First American in History to Become Pontiff

The world's first American pope, Cardinal Timothy Clery, also known as Pope Leo XIV, made history by taking the papal oath in St. Peter's Square on his first public appearance. Born in Chicago but now a Peruvian citizen, he was elected this morning via a two-thirds majority conclave after white smoke signalled the selection of his name at noon. A decorated priest and missionary who studied theology, Leo previously headed the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and has a degree in mathematics from Villanova University.