U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected Pope, Takes the Name Leo XIV in Historic First

Vatican City: In a historic and unexpected development, U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected the next head of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first American pope in history. Upon accepting his canonical election, the 69-year-old chose the papal name Pope Leo XIV.

White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney late Wednesday evening, followed by the solemn ringing of St. Peter’s Basilica’s great bells — the centuries-old signal that a new pope has been chosen. Soon after, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the senior cardinal deacon, stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and declared in Latin, “Habemus Papam!” — “We have a pope!”

Appearing moments later to throngs of faithful in St. Peter’s Square and to millions watching worldwide, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV offered his first words as pontiff: “Peace be with all of you!”

In his address, delivered in Italian, Spanish, and Latin, he urged unity and compassion, saying: “May peace enter your hearts, reach your families, and all people, wherever they are.” The new pope also expressed deep gratitude to his fellow cardinals and spoke with warmth about his years of pastoral service in Peru, where he had served as bishop. “In that land, a loyal people has shared its faith and has given a lot,” he said.

Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor Pope Francis, whose papacy spanned over a decade and was marked by reforms and a deep focus on mercy and inclusion. He then led the crowd in prayer, offering his first apostolic blessing from the same balcony that has introduced popes to the world for centuries.

The election took place on the second day of the papal conclave, a gathering of 133 cardinal-electors who cast ballots in secrecy inside the Sistine Chapel. The swift outcome and choice of an American pope surprised many Church observers, who had speculated other names with stronger ties to Europe or Africa.

Still, the appointment of Pope Leo XIV signals a potentially transformative moment for the Church, reflecting its increasingly global character. Rome was abuzz with emotion and celebration, as thousands crowded into St. Peter’s Square and surrounding streets to witness history.

The conclave process includes several solemn rituals: after the successful vote, the elected cardinal is asked if he accepts the role of supreme pontiff. Upon his acceptance and choice of name, he is clothed in papal vestments and greeted with homage from the other cardinals. Then, the formal announcement — “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” — is delivered to the world.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, the global Catholic community looks to the future with anticipation, prayer, and hope for renewal.