Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the new pope following a two-day conclave, the Vatican announced on May 8, 2025. He will lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics as Pope Leo XIV.
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 7:06 p.m. local time, signaling to the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square that the 133 cardinal electors had reached the required two-thirds majority to select a new pontiff.
“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!”), Cardinal Dominique Mamberti declared from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
At 68, Pope Leo XIV becomes the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church and the 267th pope in the Church’s history. He succeeds Pope Francis, who led the Church for 12 years before his passing on April 21, 2025, at age 88.
“I am humbled by the trust placed in me by my brother cardinals,” the new pope told the crowd in his first public address. “I ask for your prayers as we continue Christ’s work of mercy and peace in our troubled world.”
Cardinal Prevost, known for his diplomatic skills and moderate stance on Church reforms, was considered a bridge-building candidate who could unite progressive and traditional factions within the Church. Before his elevation to the papacy, Prevost served as the Archbishop of Chicago for nine years and was created cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019. He holds doctorate degrees in theology and canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Vatican observers note that his selection may signal a continuation of Pope Francis’s emphasis on social justice, environmental concerns, and outreach to marginalized communities, while potentially maintaining traditional Church teachings on doctrinal matters.
World leaders have begun issuing congratulations, with many expressing hope for continued interfaith dialogue and the Church’s involvement in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and regional conflicts.
The formal installation Mass for Pope Leo XIV is expected to take place within the coming days, with heads of state and religious leaders from around the world anticipated to attend.
As is tradition, the new pope chose his papal name to honor Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903), who was known for his social teachings and efforts to engage the Church with modern society.
Catholics worldwide are celebrating the election, with special Masses of thanksgiving planned in parishes across the globe in the coming days.
