VATICAN CITY — A plume of white smoke drifted from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening, marking the historic conclusion of the latest papal conclave. The 133 cardinal electors had reached the required two-thirds majority, choosing the next leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. Moments later, the Vatican revealed their decision: American Cardinal Robert Prevost had been elected the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.
First American Pontiff Takes the Name Leo XIV
The 69-year-old native of Chicago, Illinois, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the senior cardinal deacon officially introduced him to the world by his chosen name: Pope Leo XIV.
Prevost is the first American pope in the Church’s history and is widely regarded as a seasoned diplomat with experience bridging theological and cultural divides within the global Church.
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A Message of Peace in His First Papal Address
In his first words as pope, delivered in Italian, Leo XIV spoke to the faithful gathered in the square and millions watching worldwide.
“This is the first greeting of the risen Christ. May the peace be with you,” he said. “This is the peace of the risen Christ.”
The election of Pope Leo XIV follows the recent death of Pope Francis on April 21 and concludes a fast-moving conclave in which 133 cardinal electors, including many chosen by Francis himself, cast ballots over the course of two days.
