History was made in Vatican City on May 8 as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born prelate with extensive global experience, was elected the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church — becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. He will be known as Pope Leo the Fourteenth.
The momentous announcement came at 6:07 p.m. local time, when white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the successful conclusion of the conclave by the 133 cardinal electors.
Moments later, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti delivered the traditional Habemus Papam to the jubilant crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
At age 69, Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away in April after a transformative 12-year pontificate. The new pope is widely respected for his missionary work in Peru and his recent role as prefect of the Vatican’s powerful Dicastery for Bishops.
Stepping onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the world with a simple yet powerful message: “Peace be with you.” The words reflected a tone of unity and serenity as he embarks on a papacy expected to shape the Church’s direction in a rapidly changing world.
