After just three rounds of voting, the conclave came to an exciting end with the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo the XIV!

Greeting a crowded square at Saint Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo opened with, “La pace sia con tutti voi!”

In his first address, he called for unity and peace, urging the Church to remember “the brave voice of Pope Francis”.

Drawing from his years as a missionary in Peru, he called for a church that builds bridges, welcomes dialogue, and embraces all with love.

He also gave a heartfelt shoutout, in Spanish, to his former congregation in Chiclayo, Peru.

Here in Guam, Catholics are just as joyful, even if the outcome isn’t what they expected.

“We were surprised that the first [North] American pope was elected! We were expecting that the pope would be Cardinal Tagle from The Philippines, but it’s okay. We’re happy that we have a new pope,” said one resident. 

And their hopes for the new holy father?

“We’re hoping that the new pope continues what Pope Francis did in our country, in the U.S., and the whole world,” they said. 

And Guam's local leader in the faith, Archbishop Ryan Jimenez, shares in the excitement.

He says, “May [Pope Leo] shepherd our people with the deep love and compassion of Jesus Christ, steadfastly upholding the tenets of our faith and extending the light of Christ to all people with wisdom, courage and humility.” 

Now, Pope Leo XIV’s election is historic in several ways. 

He is the first U.S.-born Pope, hailing from Chicago, Illinois, and the first from the order of Saint Augustine. 

Before his election, he was the prefect of the dicastery for bishops and had a long missionary tenure in Peru, where he was deeply involved in pastoral work.

Setting the tone for his papacy, he chose the name Leo, paying homage to Pope Leo XIII, who was known as a reformer, emphasizing diplomacy, advocating for scientific progress, and defending human rights.

A new era for the Catholic Church is beginning, and many say they are hopeful about what Pope Leo XIV will bring to the global stage and how his leadership could inspire change right here in our island community.