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The Vatican has appointed Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, marking him as the 267th leader of the more than 1.4 billion Catholics globally.
Prevost's election followed extensive discussions among over 100 cardinals who convened in the secluded confines of the Sistine Chapel to participate in an age-old process intended to promote unity, tradition, and spiritual insight within the Catholic Church.
The 69-year-old newly elected pontiff appeared on the St. Peter’s Basilica balcony shortly after senior cardinals affirmed his selection with the traditional phrase “Habemus Papam,” which means “We have a Pope,” while introducing him by his chosen papal name.
In his initial address, delivered in Italian, the new pope greeted the crowd with “Peace be with all of you!” and commended his predecessor, stating that Pope Francis was always “courageous” and had “blessed Rome.”
He added, “The pope who blessed Rome extended his blessing to the entire world on that Easter morning.
Together, we must strive to be a church that creates connections, fosters dialogue, and welcomes everyone. Let us carry on that blessing. God loves us and loves all of you. Sin will not overcome; we are all in God's hands.”
The Vatican confirmed the new Pope's election on Thursday, with white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel, where thousands of devotees congregated to observe the unveiling of the church’s new leader.
As the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled, the jubilant crowd erupted in joy, fully engaged in the excitement of Pope Francis’s successor, who triumphed after securing at least 89 of the 133 votes cast by cardinals in the conclave.
The new Pope, hailing from Chicago and being the first American to ascend to the papacy, has dedicated a significant part of his career as a missionary in Peru and was appointed a cardinal only in 2023.
Prevost has garnered attention from his colleagues for his composed demeanor and support for Francis, particularly regarding his dedication to social justice matters.
The new Catholic leader served as a bishop in Chiclayo, northwestern Peru, from 2015 to 2023, before Francis invited him to Rome that year to oversee the Vatican office responsible for selecting priests to serve as bishops worldwide, giving him an influential role in selecting many of the world’s bishops.
