American Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, has been elected the new Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. A native of Chicago and former missionary in Peru, he succeeds Pope Francis as the second consecutive pontiff from the Americas, marking a historic shift in Catholic leadership.
In a historic decision, American prelate Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. The announcement came on Thursday evening after the conclave of Cardinals reached a consensus, marked by the traditional plume of white smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.
Born in Chicago, 69-year-old Prevost is a member of the Augustinian order and has spent a significant part of his ecclesiastical career in Peru. Until now, he served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America — appointments made by the late Pope Francis in 2023. He was also elevated to the College of Cardinals by Francis, signaling his growing influence within the Church.
The new Pope has chosen the pontifical name Leo XIV, making him the second consecutive Pope from the Americas, following his predecessor Pope Francis, who hailed from Argentina. This succession signals the continued shift in the Church’s leadership beyond its traditional European roots, reflecting the growing importance of the Americas in global Catholicism.
The announcement followed an afternoon session of the papal conclave in the Sistine Chapel. The 133 cardinals resumed voting after an inconclusive round earlier in the day. A two-thirds majority — at least 89 votes — was required to elect the new Pontiff. The process, which usually spans about three days and multiple rounds of balloting, concluded relatively swiftly.
As the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square watched with anticipation, cheers erupted when white smoke emerged, signaling the successful election. Moments later, all eyes turned to the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica as the new Pope appeared before the crowd.
Addressing the thousands in Italian, Pope Leo XIV offered his first blessing and message of unity and peace: “Peace be with all of you.” He continued, “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.”
This marks a new chapter in the Church’s long history, as a North American now assumes the highest spiritual office in Catholicism. With experience in both the northern and southern hemispheres, Pope Leo XIV is expected to bring a global and pastoral perspective to the papacy.
