Context:

The election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, marked a historic moment as he became the first North American pope, with newspapers worldwide highlighting his Chicago roots and his missionary work in Peru. Headlines varied from playful nods to his American nationality to those emphasizing his name and papal message, using the Latin phrase 'Habemus papam' to mark the occasion. Many publications, particularly in the United States, celebrated his local connections, with the Chicago Tribune calling him 'Chicago’s pope,' and The Philadelphia Inquirer noting his Villanova University ties. In Peru, where he served as a missionary and bishop, newspapers claimed him as one of their own, despite his American birth. Diverse global reactions showcased both national pride and religious reverence, with different media outlets choosing to focus on either his nationality or his spiritual role as the new leader of the Catholic Church.

Dive Deeper:

• Pope Leo XIV, originally Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago, was elected as the first North American pope, and his election was widely covered by newspapers around the world, highlighting both his nationality and his papal name.

• Newspapers frequently used the Latin phrase 'Habemus papam,' which translates to 'We have a pope,' with this foreign phrase appearing prominently even in English-speaking outlets, marking the significance of the event.

• The Chicago Tribune and The Chicago Sun-Times emphasized Pope Leo XIV's local ties, branding him as 'Chicago’s pope' and playing on local cultural references like the Chicago Bears.

• In Peru, where Leo XIV lived for many years as a missionary and bishop, newspapers like Correo celebrated him as 'UN PAPA PERUANO,' reflecting his strong ties to the country despite his American origins.

• European newspapers such as Le Temps and The Sun used creative headlines like 'HabemUS Papam' and 'God Bless American' to highlight his American nationality in a playful manner.

• Some publications, particularly in Europe, chose to focus on his papal identity over his nationality, with headlines like 'Leo' and images of him in prayer, reflecting a more solemn approach to his new role.

• The San Francisco Chronicle and other outlets quoted Pope Leo XIV's first message as pope, 'Peace be with you,' underscoring the spiritual significance of his election beyond national and cultural affiliations.