Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native and longtime missionary in Peru, was elected on Thursday as the new head of the Catholic Church — making history as the first-ever pope from the United States.
Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, Prevost appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica about 70 minutes after white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that the 133 cardinal electors had chosen a successor to lead the Church’s 1.4 billion members.
“Peace be with you all,” Pope Leo XIV said warmly to the crowd of tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti officially announced his election with the traditional Latin words “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”).
Prevost, known for his quiet style and low media profile, became a cardinal only in 2023. He has spent much of his life working as a missionary in Peru, where he served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. Last year, Pope Francis brought him to Rome to lead the Vatican office that selects bishops around the world — a critical role in shaping the Church’s global leadership.
Prevost succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away last month after 12 years marked by bold reforms and efforts to open discussions on contentious issues such as women’s ordination and inclusion of LGBT Catholics.
Ahead of the conclave, cardinals were divided: some favored continuing Francis’ vision of reform and inclusion, while others advocated a return to more traditional practices. Prevost attracted support for his alignment with Francis’ social justice priorities and inclusive approach to Church life.
A Historic Conclave and Election
The white smoke that billowed on Thursday afternoon at just after 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) ended a tense period of anticipation. Pilgrims and onlookers in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers and applause as bells rang to confirm that the Church had elected its 267th pope.
Before appearing to the public, the newly elected pope entered the Room of Tears, where popes traditionally take a moment to process the gravity of their new role and change into their papal garments. He then returned to the Sistine Chapel for the cardinals to pledge obedience, before stepping onto the balcony to greet the world and deliver his first Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and the World”) blessing.
The conclave was the largest in history, with 133 cardinal electors from 70 countries — most of them appointed by Francis himself. While the group was highly international, their choice was not guaranteed to reflect Francis’ reformist path. Cardinals debated whether the next leader should be a pastor or diplomat, a liberal or conservative, a Vatican insider or an outsider from the vibrant Catholic communities in the Global South.
Challenges Ahead
Pope Leo XIV takes on the papacy at a time of global turmoil and internal Church challenges. Beyond offering moral leadership on the international stage, he must confront enduring crises: the ongoing fallout from the clergy sexual abuse scandal, financial instability in the Vatican, dwindling priest numbers, and declining church attendance in Western nations.
The papal inauguration is expected within the next week, featuring a grand mass attended by global political and religious leaders. Tradition also includes the pope’s first tour through St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile and a homily setting out his vision and priorities for the Church’s future.
