Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first American to hold the papacy. He has chosen the papal name Pope Leo XIV.
The announcement was made from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, following the traditional white smoke that signifies the successful conclusion of the papal conclave.
Prevost, 69, was born in Chicago and is a member of the Augustinian religious order. He has spent significant time as a missionary in Peru and in senior Vatican roles, earning him a reputation as “the least American of the Americans.”
His election followed four rounds of voting by 133 cardinals, representing the largest voting bloc in conclave history. Notably, 108 of the voting cardinals were appointed by the late Pope Francis, who had made a significant effort to diversify the College of Cardinals during his 13-year papacy.
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Addressing the faithful from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV offered a message of peace and unity, speaking in Italian and Spanish to reflect his missionary years and role as archbishop in Peru. His first words as pope were: “Peace be with you.”
The conclave, which began on May 7, 2025, concluded after two days with the traditional signal of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, indicating a successful decision. The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica and churches across Rome rang out, signaling the election of the new pope.
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025. His election marks a historic moment in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
As the first American pope, Leo XIV’s election is seen as a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church, reflecting its global nature and the diverse backgrounds of its leadership.