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Meet Leo XIV: The first American pope no one expected

Cardinals elect new pope as white smoke rises from Sistine Chapel
  • Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old American, has been elected the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
  • This marks the first time an American has led the Catholic Church.
  • Prevost, who holds dual American and Peruvian citizenship, has served as Bishop of Chicago, the largest Archdiocese in North America, and prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
  • He was considered a "dark horse" candidate and an ally of Pope Francis.
  • Prevost has extensive experience in missionary work in South America and is an expert in canon law.
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