The College of Cardinals elected Cardinal Robert Prevost, a U.S. native born and raised in Chicago, as the 267th pope of the church. And on Friday, as Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first mass, he called his election both a cross to bear and a blessing.

Robert Prevost of the U.S. is the new Catholic pontiff, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The Chicago-born cardinal ministered in Peru and was a member of the Augustinian order.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost – now known as Pope Leo XIV — is the first pope from the United States. The 69-year-old from Chicago is known as a leader with global experience. He spent much of his career as a missionary in South America and most recently led a powerful Vatican office for bishop appointments.