First American Pope elected – a missionary at heart

On Thursday 9 May, Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) was elected as the first American pope. Born in Chicago, Illinois, his election marks a new chapter for the Church, deeply rooted in missionary service and pastoral care.

In choosing the name Leo, Cardinal Prevost indicates that he means to follow in the footsteps of Leo XIII, who led the Catholic Church from 1878 to 1903. Known as the ‘pope of the workers’, Leo XIII strongly defended people’s rights to a living wage. He became known as the ‘pope of the workers’.

Before ascending to the papacy, Pope Leo served for two decades in Peru. His commitment to missionary life, particularly his work with under-resourced communities in the Archdiocese of Trujillo, mirrors the commitment to the Zulu people by the Archdiocese of Durban. Just as our focus is on community development, education and healthcare, Pope Leo’s work in Peru emphasised holistic ministry, promoting both the spiritual and material needs of the poor. In his address to the crowds after his election, Pope Leo XIV echoed his predecessor, Francis, with a call for peace.

Throughout his career, Pope Leo’s efforts have spanned formation, education, and pastoral care, from serving as judicial vicar to teaching Canon Law and Moral Theology. His deep commitment to intercultural ministry aligns with the Zulu Missions’ mission of sharing the Gospel through service to the most vulnerable, especially in rural and marginalised communities.

As we celebrate this new chapter, we pray for Pope Leo and renew our commitment to the shared mission of bringing Christ’s love and light to all corners of the world.