New Pope Elected: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost
Vatican City has welcomed a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, marking a historic moment as the first American-born pope.
estone in the Catholic Church’s history, bringing a new chapter under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old from Chicago, has been elected as the new pope and has chosen the name Leo XIV. Before becoming pope, he was the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and the Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo, Peru.
Choosing an American as pope is unusual because many believe the U.S. already has enough influence in the world.
Senior cardinal deacon Dominique Mamberti announced the news from the St. Peter’s balcony, saying “Habemus Papam,” which means “We have a pope.”
Earlier, when white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, crowds in St. Peter’s Square cheered, and bells rang from the basilica.
A total of 133 cardinal electors had been locked inside the Sistine Chapel since Wednesday and reached a two-thirds majority to elect a successor to Pope Francis.
