On Friday, newspapers worldwide reported on the election of a new pope, Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the name Leo XIV. This event was marked by prominent photographs, clever wordplay, and references to his diverse national background.
Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago, made history as the first North American pope, with many publications emphasizing his American heritage. The Latin phrase “Habemus papam,” meaning “We have a pope,” was featured in numerous headlines, a notable occurrence for English-language newspapers.
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France announced the new pope from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, eliciting cheers from the crowd. Newspapers prominently displayed images of Leo XIV as he waved to the public during his inaugural greeting.
The Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, dedicated a full-page spread to the event, featuring a Latin headline that translated to: “We have a Pope. Robert Francis Prevost who gave himself the name Leo XIV.”
International outlets highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s American roots, with the Irish Daily Mirror leading with “Let U.S. Pray” and the Swiss newspaper Le Temps opting for “HabemUS Papam.” The British tabloid The Sun proclaimed “God Bless American.”
Chicago newspapers celebrated the new pope as a local figure, with the Chicago Tribune declaring “Chicago’s pope” and The Chicago Sun-Times cheekily stating “DA POPE!” referencing the city’s football team.
The Philadelphia Inquirer noted in its headline “An American Pope,” emphasizing that Pope Leo XIV is an alumnus of Villanova University, a Catholic institution in a Philadelphia suburb.
Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera referred to him as “Il Papa americano,” while Peru’s Correo claimed “UN PAPA PERUANO,” reflecting the sentiments of some Peruvians who consider him one of their own due to his years as a missionary and bishop in the country.
Chilean newspaper El Mercurio described Pope Leo XIV as both Peruvian and American, acknowledging his dual citizenship. Some publications chose to focus on the pope’s papal name rather than his nationality, with outlets like Diário de NotÃcias in Portugal and Libération in France simply headlining “Leo.”
Others highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural message to the Catholic Church, with The San Francisco Chronicle quoting his greeting: “‘Peace be with you.’”