Pope Leo XIV Elected to Lead Catholic Church, Addresses Vatican Crowd
By Gabe Whisnant
In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Robert Prevost—a missionary-turned-Vatican official who spent much of his career ministering in Peru—was elected the first American pope in the Church's 2,000-year history. The 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order chose the papal name Leo XIV.
Appearing for the first time on the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, Prevost was dressed in the traditional papal red mozzetta cape—a garment notably rejected by his predecessor, Pope Francis, during his own introduction to the world in 2013. The decision to don the cape marked a symbolic return to tradition, even as Prevost himself embodies the Church's increasingly global identity.
In his first words, Pope Leo XIV, said "Peace be with you." He recalled that he was an Augustinian priest, but a Christian above all, and a bishop, "so we can all walk together."
He spoke in Italian and then switched to Spanish, recalling his many years spent as a missionary and then archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru.
Pope Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert Prevost appears on the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica after being chosen the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, choosing the name of Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican, Thursday, May... More Associated Press
What to Know About Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, The First American Pope
A longtime Vatican insider and native of Chicago, Prevost's election shattered an informal but long-standing taboo against a U.S. pope. The prospect had long been viewed as diplomatically sensitive, given the geopolitical weight the United States already carries on the world stage. However, Prevost's deep ties to Latin America—he holds Peruvian citizenship and spent decades living and working in Peru—may have helped allay concerns among voting cardinals.
Prevost's journey to the papacy began as a missionary in Peru, where he served with humility and dedication, eventually rising to become an archbishop. His pastoral work and multicultural background resonated with Pope Francis, who brought Prevost to the Vatican in 2023. There, Francis appointed him as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops—one of the Church's most influential roles. In that capacity, Prevost was responsible for reviewing and recommending episcopal appointments worldwide, giving him significant influence and visibility ahead of the conclave.
His selection to lead the global Church signals continuity with the priorities of Pope Francis, particularly regarding outreach to the Global South and reform within the Church hierarchy. Vatican observers have long speculated that Francis saw Prevost as a potential successor, especially given his rapid rise and central role in shaping the modern episcopate.
While his American origins once appeared to be a disqualifying factor, Prevost's cross-cultural ministry and years of service in Latin America appear to have shifted perceptions within the College of Cardinals. His election underscores the evolving nature of the papacy and the Church's broader embrace of its global constituency.
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President Donald Trump reacted to Prevost's historic selection on Thursday, saying in a post on Truth Social, "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"
American Flag at St. Peter's
Faithful hold an American flag and a rosary following the election of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Associated Press
White Smoke Billows from Vatican Chimney
White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the great bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang out on Thursday, signaling that a new pope—the 267th leader of the Catholic Church—had been chosen on the second day of the conclave.
At precisely 6:07 p.m., local time, the smoke rose into the late afternoon sky, sparking an emotional eruption from the tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square. Cheers rang out as priests made the sign of the cross, nuns wept, and the crowd shouted in unison, "Viva il papa!" Flags from across the globe waved above the masses as they anxiously awaited the identity of the Church's new spiritual leader.
The white smoke indicated that the successful candidate had secured the required two-thirds majority—at least 89 of the 133 votes cast by the College of Cardinals—marking the election of a successor to Pope Francis.
As anticipation swelled, the Vatican's Swiss Guards made a ceremonial appearance, marching into the square with precision. A military band followed, ascending the steps of St. Peter's Basilica in a display of solemn pageantry.
The name of the new pope will be revealed in a centuries-old tradition from the loggia of the basilica, when a senior cardinal emerges to declare, "Habemus Papam!"—Latin for "We have a pope!" He will then announce the new pope's birth name in Latin, followed by the name he has chosen as his papal title.
Shortly afterward, the newly elected pontiff is expected to step out onto the balcony, appearing before the faithful for the first time and offering his inaugural blessing to the world from the same loggia that has introduced popes for generations.
Earlier on Thursday, the 133 cardinal-electors, sequestered in Vatican accommodations since Wednesday, cast two rounds of ballots and failed to reach a consensus on who should be the next pope.
The votes both concluded without result, signaled by the plume of black smoke that rose from the chapel's iconic chimney—a traditional symbol indicating no candidate received the required two-thirds majority. It was the same result for the first vote on Wednesday evening.
This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is available.
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