Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. The announcement was made on May 8, 2025, at 18:08 local time, following the traditional white smoke from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, signaling the conclusion of the papal conclave. The new pontiff has chosen the papal name Leo XIV.
The conclave, which began on May 7, saw 133 cardinals from 70 countries deliberating to select a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025. Prevost secured the required two-thirds majority in the fourth ballot on the second day of voting, a swift conclusion reminiscent of previous conclaves that concluded on the second day.
Cardinal Prevost's election marks a historic moment for the Church, reflecting its global diversity and the evolving role of American clergy within Vatican leadership. His selection is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis's reform agenda, emphasizing inclusivity and addressing contemporary challenges facing the Church.
Upon his election, the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, asked Prevost if he accepted the canonical election as supreme pontiff. After his affirmative response, the new pope was led to the "Room of Tears" to don the white papal cassock. He then appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing to the city and the world.
The election of Cardinal Prevost is a significant milestone in the history of the Catholic Church, symbolizing a new chapter in its leadership and global outreach.
