Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected First American Pope

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, passed away suddenly on April 21, 2025, leaving a profound legacy of humility, compassion, and historic significance as the first pope born outside Europe in over a millennium. His leadership deeply influenced Catholics worldwide, including Indigenous communities in Canada, who praised his 2022 visit and apology for the Church's role in residential schools as a crucial step toward reconciliation. Following his death, the College of Cardinals elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, who studied alongside Father Richard Andrus in Chicago in the late 1970s and brings a unique perspective shaped by experiences in the United States and Latin America. The election has inspired pride and reflection among American Catholics, including those in Lafayette, Fresno, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Pope Leo XIV is seen as an easygoing yet firm leader with strong community ties, and his election marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church in the United States. Meanwhile, a commemorative book celebrating Pope Francis’ papacy has been published to honor his global impact and enduring message.