In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, American Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new pope on Thursday, becoming the first pontiff from the United States. Upon his election by cardinals from across the globe, he chose the papal name Leo XIV, becoming the 267th pope and spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as Prevost appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, smiling, bowing, and waving with both hands.
“Peace be with you,” he greeted the crowd warmly.
The announcement followed the traditional signal of white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney on the second day of voting, signifying a successful conclave. The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica and churches throughout Rome rang in celebration as crowds surged toward the square.
With the iconic red curtains drawn across the balcony, anticipation built for the new pontiff’s first address. His election was formally announced in Latin, followed by the joyful declaration: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”).
Prevost succeeds Pope Francis, the Argentine reformer who passed away last month at the age of 88, concluding a 12-year papacy marked by efforts to modernize and humanize the Church, often sparking criticism from conservative factions.
Among the crowd, many expressed awe and excitement at witnessing the historic event.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Joseph Brian, a 39-year-old chef from Belfast, Northern Ireland. “I’m not overly religious, but being here with all these people just blew me away.”
Others, like Bruna Hodara, 41, from Brazil, captured the moment on their phones and joined the chorus of celebration, shouting, “Viva il Papa!” (“Long live the pope!”). A priest perched on someone’s shoulders waved a Brazilian flag, while another held a crucifix aloft.
The secret conclave, comprised of 133 cardinal electors from five continents, was the largest and most diverse in Church history. Bound by oaths of secrecy under pain of excommunication, their only signal to the outside world was the color of smoke from the chapel chimney.
The vote, which concluded in under two days, followed recent precedent—Pope Benedict XVI was elected in four ballots in 2005, and Pope Francis in five ballots in 2013. While the number of ballots remains undisclosed, a two-thirds majority was required for election.
Following tradition, Prevost entered the Room of Tears—a private chamber where newly elected popes reflect and don the papal vestments. He then returned to the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals pledged obedience, before stepping out onto the balcony for his first Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and the World”) blessing.
His election comes at a pivotal time for the Church and the world. The new pope must confront global crises, internal divisions, and the ongoing fallout from the Church’s sexual abuse scandals. He is also expected to address declining church attendance and priest shortages, particularly in the West.
Prevost’s selection was shaped by a mix of priorities: the need for a unifier, a moral leader, and someone capable of navigating the Church through a complex geopolitical landscape. Whether he will continue the progressive path of his predecessor or take a more traditional stance remains to be seen.
The papal inauguration Mass, expected within a week, will draw religious and political leaders from around the globe as the world welcomes Pope Leo XIV.
