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History was made in Vatican City as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Chosen on the second day of the papal conclave, the 69-year-old Chicago native will be known as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American pontiff in history.
White smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6 p.m. local time on May 8 signaled to the tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square that a new leader had been chosen. According to Vatican tradition, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti declared from the balcony: "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus Papam! Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum Robertum Sanctae Romanae Ecclesia Cardinalem Prevost, qui sibi nomen imposuit Leo Decimus Quartus."
Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to deliver his first public message. "Peace be with you all," he said. "This is the first greeting of the resurrected Christ, the good shepherd who has given up his life for God. And I should also like this greeting of peace to enter our hearts and our families."
Prevost, who previously led the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops, has a long history of missionary work in Peru and deep experience in Church leadership. Ordained in 1982, he served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023 and holds dual citizenship with Peru. His pastoral experience and moderate stance made him a leading candidate, with Italian media describing him as "the least American of the Americans."
Pope Leo XIV emphasized continuity with his predecessor's mission. "We can't stop, we can't turn back," he told Vatican News. "We have to see how the Holy Spirit wants the Church to be today and tomorrow." His remarks reflect a commitment to ongoing reforms and inclusivity, particularly for young people, the poor, and marginalized communities.
As the white smoke cleared, crowds from around the globe filled the square with flags and songs. "It's great this feeling to be here with a lot of people, religious and not," said Francesca, a Roman lawyer. "All the world is watching the balcony, and we feel at the center of the world."
From humble beginnings in Chicago to leading 1.4 billion Catholics, Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy amid high hopes and global anticipation.
