U.S.-born Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis, leaves the Vatican Synod Hall April 22, 2025, after the first general congregation of the College of Cardinals. Cardinal Fabio Baggio, undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, walks out behind him. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
In an unprecedented moment for the Catholic Church, American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected pope, becoming the first pontiff from the United States.
He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.The announcement by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti sparked scenes of jubilation among the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, many waving flags and praying as white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, a traditional sign that a new pope has been chosen.
Addressing the world in Italian for the first time as pope, Leo XIV delivered a heartfelt message: “I want this message of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are.”
He paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, urging the global Catholic community to move forward “without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other.”
He also expressed deep gratitude to the College of Cardinals for entrusting him with the papacy.The election followed the death of Pope Francis on 21 April at the age of 88 in Saint Martha House, Vatican City.
The conclave of 133 cardinal electors began on 7 May under intense secrecy, with ballots burned after each round to signal progress.
Pope Leo XIV now faces the monumental task of guiding the Church into a new era, one shaped by change, unity, and the enduring search for peace.
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