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| The new Pope Leo XIV. |
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, making history as the first American pontiff. He has chosen the papal name Leo XIV.
He takes over as leader of the 1.4 billion-member Roman Catholic Church and serves also as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church
The new pontiff, who has taken the name Leo XIV, was chosen on day 2 of the conclave. It came over two weeks after the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88.
Prevost, 69, is a Chicago-born cardinal who previously served in Peru for two decades.
Just after 6 p.m. local time in Vatican City (noon ET), white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney as bells rang, which symbolized that the conclave had reached the two-thirds majority necessary for a new pope.
Previous votes, which resulted in black smoke coming from the chapel, meant that a vote was inconclusive and did not reach a decision.
The papal conclave began on May 7 with 133 electors, the largest number of voting cardinals in history.
A crowd of more than 10,000 people had gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday to await the results of the votes.
The newly elected pope appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he was introduced to the world.
In his first remarks after being chosen as the new pontiff today, Pope Leo XIV outlined his vision for the Catholic Church.
"We have to seek together to be a missionary church. A church that builds bridges and dialogue," he said, according to an English translation of his remarks, which were mostly in Italian. He also called on people to "show our charity" to others "and be in dialog with love."
He also paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, saying: "Let us keep in our ears the weak voice of Pope Francis that blesses Rome. The Pope who blessed Rome, gave his blessing to the entire world that morning of Easter. Allow me to follow up on that blessing. God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail."
His election marks a significant milestone in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church, reflecting its evolving global character and the growing influence of the Americas within the Vatican
In another development, President Trump welcomes news of an American pope and congratulated him in a post on social media, writing:
"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"
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