Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been elected as the new Pope and spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The historic announcement was made on Thursday from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where a senior cardinal proclaimed “Habemus Papam!” to the cheering crowd in St. Peter’s Square.
At 69 years old, the American prelate has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV, becoming both the first pontiff from the United States and the first to adopt the name “Leo” since Pope Leo XIII, who led the Church until 1903.
Prevost’s election followed two days of private deliberations by 133 cardinal electors in the Sistine Chapel, convened after the passing of Pope Francis in April.
The appearance of white smoke from the chapel’s chimney, accompanied by the tolling of bells, signaled to the world that a new pope had been chosen.
Soon after the announcement, Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance at the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he delivered his initial apostolic blessing. In his address, he called for unity and peace amid global challenges and divisions.
Renowned for his humility and years of missionary service in Latin America, Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue the priorities of Pope Francis, with a strong focus on social justice, interfaith dialogue, and outreach to the marginalized.
