Former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have extended their congratulations to the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

In a message posted on his official X page, Mr. Obama described the election as a historic moment for the United States.

“Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith,” the post read.

A Historic First

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, May 8, following the death of Pope Francis. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first pope born in North America and the first American to lead the global Catholic Church.

Profile: Pope Leo XIV
• Full Name: Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A.
• Date of Birth: September 14, 1955
• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Heritage: French, Italian, and Spanish descent

Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics – Villanova University (1977)
• Master of Divinity – Catholic Theological Union, Chicago
• Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law – Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome
• Doctoral Thesis: The Role of the Local Prior in the Order of Saint Augustine

Religious and Pastoral Journey:
• Entered the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977; solemn vows in 1981
• Served as a missionary in Peru from 1985
• Held numerous leadership positions including Chancellor of the Prelature of Chulucanas, prior, seminary professor, and judicial vicar
• Appointed Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo in 2014
• Consecrated Bishop in December 2014

Vatican Appointments:
• Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023
• Created Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023
• President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America

Papacy:
• Elected Pope on May 8, 2025
• Chose the papal name Leo XIV, in honor of Pope Leo XIII
• Known for his strong background in canon law, deep roots in Latin America, and commitment to bridging Church tradition with contemporary global realities

Personal Notes:
• Holds dual citizenship: USA and Peru
• Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian
• Widely respected for his pastoral compassion and academic rigor

Pope Leo XIV now steps into a pivotal role at a time of global transformation, offering both continuity and fresh perspective to the Catholic Church’s mission.