The Vatican has chosen Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago as the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church. The 69-year-old priest, who is currently Pope Leo XIV, was selected at a conclave today in Rome, following four rigorous voting rounds.
The world was informed that a new pope had been selected at precisely 6:07 p.m. local time, accompanied by the customary white smoke from the Sistine Chapel. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced the news that has since made headlines worldwide when he climbed onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Francis, who died on April 21, is succeeded by Pope Leo XIV. It is believed that the recently elected pope would carry on Francis’s legacy, which was characterized by his advocacy for social justice, unity, and outreach to the underprivileged.
Before this momentous appointment, Pope Leo XIV oversaw the Vatican’s office that appointed bishops, a significant position in the Church. He also worked in Peru for decades, where he gained expertise at the grassroots level and established himself as a pastoral leader with strong connections to Latin America.
He appeared on the balcony and gave the crowd in St. Peter’s Square a hearty round of applause, saying simply, “Peace be with you.”
This event ushers in a new era in Church history, one that may reshape the organization’s leadership in the world going forward.