JUST IN: Robert Francis Prevost Becomes First American Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV

In a historic decision that marks a significant moment in the Roman Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history, American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

The announcement came Thursday afternoon from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the senior cardinal deacon, declared the traditional “Habemus papam” — “We have a pope.” Moments later, Prevost stepped into the spotlight before a cheering crowd and gave his first papal blessing, “Urbi et Orbi,” to the city and the world.

A native of Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is the first American to ascend to the papacy. His election concludes a two-day conclave, which saw 133 cardinals — the largest group ever — gather in the Sistine Chapel to vote on the church’s new leader following the death of Pope Francis last month. White smoke rose from the chapel’s chimney shortly after noon, signaling that a consensus had been reached.

The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted into cheers and chants of “Leo, Leo, Leo” as bells rang throughout the Vatican. Onlookers from around the globe waved flags and snapped photos, many visibly emotional as the announcement echoed across the square.

Pope Leo XIV now faces the immense challenge of guiding the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics through a time of transition and reflection. His predecessor, Francis, was known for pushing the Church toward a more inclusive and reform-minded direction, particularly in matters concerning the LGBTQ+ community, climate change, and synodality — decentralizing decision-making within the Church.

Prevost, formerly the head of the Dicastery for Bishops and a bishop in Peru, brings deep experience in church governance and a reputation for pragmatism and humility. His choice of the name Leo evokes memories of past popes who emphasized strong leadership, doctrinal clarity, and global engagement — including Leo XIII, who was known for his work on social justice in the late 19th century.

The speed of the conclave surprised some observers, given the diversity of the cardinal electors, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis and came from regions unfamiliar to each other. But the relatively swift outcome may reflect a shared desire to maintain continuity while also embracing a global vision for the Church’s future.

Now donning the white cassock and red papal sash, Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate under intense global scrutiny. His first words to the public, delivered in Italian, were modest and pastoral in tone. He asked the faithful to “walk together in faith, in love, and in hope,” and he urged prayers for wisdom and courage in leading the Church.

As the sun set over the Vatican, the new pope stood quietly on the balcony, waving to the sea of pilgrims and visitors below. A new chapter has begun for the Roman Catholic Church — one led, for the first time, by an American.