By In a historic decision, the College of Cardinals gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Upon accepting his election, the American-born cardinal chose the papal name Pope Leo XIV.
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White smoke billowed from the chapel’s chimney at 6:42 PM local time, signaling to the world that a new pontiff had been chosen after a solemn and secretive conclave. Moments later, the Cardinal Proto-Deacon appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and declared the traditional phrase: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” — “I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!”
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV then emerged to greet the faithful and deliver his first Urbi et Orbi apostolic blessing to a cheering crowd in St. Peter’s Square and millions watching around the world.
Cardinal Prevost, 69, originally from Chicago, Illinois, previously served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the Vatican’s most influential offices. His appointment marks a significant moment in Church history, as he becomes the first American to be elected Pope.
In choosing the name Leo XIV, the new Pope invokes the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, known for championing workers’ rights and addressing social justice during the Industrial Revolution, and Pope Leo I, a fifth-century pontiff who defended the Church during turbulent times. Observers say the name signals a potential focus on leadership, reform, and outreach in the modern era.
Inside the conclave, the cardinal electors had gathered after a series of General Congregations and days of prayerful deliberation. The Sistine Chapel was sealed off from all outside communication during the process, following strict conclave rules laid out in Universi Dominici Gregis.
Pope Leo XIV now assumes full authority over the Catholic Church, which counts over 1.3 billion members worldwide. His election comes at a time of great challenges for the Church, including declining vocations in some regions, calls for reform, and the need for renewed global moral leadership.
The official inauguration of his pontificate will be held in the coming days, followed by his formal installation at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome.
As bells rang out across the Eternal City and beyond, the faithful welcomed their new spiritual shepherd—Pope Leo XIV—with hope and prayer for the journey ahead.
