House Resolution No. ___, introduced by Representative Bayham, commends Robert Francis Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, on May 8, 2025. Notably, he is the first pope from the United States and the second from the Americas, following Pope Francis. The resolution highlights Prevost's connections to New Orleans, particularly through his maternal grandmother, and acknowledges the historical significance of the Trem neighborhood, which is also the birthplace of Venerable Henriette DeLille, a prominent figure in the community.

Prior to his papacy, Cardinal Prevost was an American missionary who dedicated his life to serving in Peru and was appointed by Pope Francis as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America in 2023. The resolution expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' sincere wishes for Pope Leo XIV's success in his role as Bishop of Rome, emphasizing his message of peace delivered during his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.