Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the US. SINGAPORE: The Catholic Church in Singapore on Friday (May 9) celebrated the election of Pope Leo XIV, who succeeds Pope Francis. Robert Francis Prevost is the first pope from the US. He was elected on Thursday after cardinals chose him to lead the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. "The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore gives thanks to almighty God for blessing us with a new Vicar of Christ," the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said in a