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| Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost addresses the crowd on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025. Robert Francis Prevost was on Thursday elected the first pope from the United States, the Vatican announced. A moderate who was close to Pope Francis and spent years as a missionary in Peru, he becomes the Catholic Church's 267th pontiff, taking the papal name Leo XIV. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) |
In a groundbreaking moment for the Catholic Church, American-born Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. This marks the first time a pope has come from the United States.
The announcement came on Thursday evening, May 8, as white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a decision had been reached by the conclave of cardinals. The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out across Rome, as thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers and celebration.
Shortly after, Pope Leo XIV appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, smiling, waving with both hands, and offering his first words to the world: “Peace be with you.”
The new pope succeeds Pope Francis, the Argentine leader who passed away last month at age 88 after a 12-year papacy focused on compassion and reform. Pope Leo XIV is now tasked with leading the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics through a time of global conflict, internal Church division, and ongoing scandals.
Excitement filled the air as people from around the world waved flags, chanted “Viva Il Papa!” (Long live the Pope), and captured the historic moment on their phones. “It’s an amazing feeling,” said Joseph Brian, a 39-year-old visitor from Northern Ireland. “Being here with all these people just blew me away.”
The election took place behind closed doors over two days, with 133 cardinals from five continents casting secret votes. To be elected, a candidate must receive at least two-thirds of the votes. Though the voting process remains confidential, it reportedly concluded faster than many expected.
Before appearing before the crowd, Pope Leo XIV followed tradition by entering the “Room of Tears,” a private moment for newly elected popes to collect themselves and change into their papal robes.
As the 267th pope, Leo XIV now faces challenges including uniting a divided Church, responding to global humanitarian crises, and addressing declining church attendance, especially in the Western world.
His papal inauguration is expected to take place within the next week, during a mass attended by world leaders and religious figures.
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