Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American missionary and Vatican official, has been elected the new Pope and will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
He stepped out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica today to loud cheers from thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
At 69, Pope Leo XIV becomes the first American to lead the Catholic Church in its 2,000-year history. He succeeds the late Pope Francis, who passed away last month.
Addressing the crowd in Italian during his first appearance as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV said:
“Peace be with all of you. Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you.”
Originally from Chicago, Prevost has spent much of his ministry in Peru and most recently led the Vatican’s influential office of bishops. His election marks a significant moment for the Church, both historically and symbolically.
This follows the earlier emergence of white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel—signaling that the 133 cardinal electors had reached a decision after inconclusive votes yesterday and this morning.
Pope Leo XIV now begins his papacy with the eyes of the world upon him.