For the first time in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church, an American has been elected pope.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born missionary known for his pastoral work in Peru and leadership within the Vatican’s bishops’ office, was elected by the conclave and has taken the name Pope Leo XIV. At age 69, he succeeds Pope Francis and becomes the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

Appearing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the new pope greeted the faithful with the words “Peace be with you,” offering a message centered on peace, dialogue, and evangelization. He delivered his remarks in Italian and Spanish, but notably not in English. He also wore the traditional red mozzetta (cape), which Pope Francis had chosen not to wear in 2013.

Pope Leo XIV’s election was met with celebration across the Catholic world, including in Boston – one of the most Catholic cities in the U.S. Despite lacking a direct representative in the conclave this time, the city’s Catholic leadership expressed enthusiasm and support.

“We have a pope!” said Archbishop Richard Henning of Boston. “We pray for him as he begins this ministry as the Vicar of Christ and the Bishop of Rome. May he be for us a visible source and foundation of communion in faith.”

Boston’s previous cardinal, Sean Patrick O’Malley, had aged out of voting eligibility after turning 80 in June. Henning, his successor, has not yet been elevated to cardinal.

The Pew Research Center notes that around 25% of Boston’s population identifies as Catholic, down from 29% in 2014 following the widespread clergy abuse scandals that began in the city.