Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago was chosen as the 267th pope and took the name Leo XIV, after white smoke was seen rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday. The white smoke, followed by the ringing of the bells of St. Peter's Basilica, confirmed the election of a new pope.

Pope Leo XIV was chosen during the fourth or fifth round of voting morning did not yield a consensus among the cardinals

Pope Leo XIV, the first American to be chosen for the office, was elected on the second day of the conclave, after the fourth ballot. After one vote on Wednesday and two votes on Thursday, white smoke was seen rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at approximately 6:07 pm local time, indicating that the cardinals reached a two-thirds majority. This concluded the conclave, the process by which the College of Cardinals elects a new pope. The conclave began on Wednesday and concluded on Thursday.

The result, the famous "Habemus Papam" ("We have a pope") was announced by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica. The crowd in St. Peter's Square erupted in jubilation as the news spread, with pilgrims and tourists waving flags and cheering.

Pope Leo XIV, in his first address, offered a message of peace and dialogue "without fear," and thanked the cardinals who elected him. He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, and emphasized the need for unity and building bridges.

The Pope, officially known as the Supreme Pontiff, is the Bishop of Rome, the head of the worldwide Catholic Church, and the head of state of Vatican City State, with absolute legislative, executive, and judicial authority.

Prevost was born in Chicago, US, where he spent the early part of his clerical career working for the Order of Saint Augustine.

As part of the Augustinian mission, he served in Peru from 1985 to 1986 and again from 1988 to 1998 as a parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary teacher and administrator. He was then elected as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, which he served as from 2001 to 2013.

Pope Francis named Prevost as the Bishop of Chiclayo on his return to Peru. He served in this role from 2015 to 2023, when he was made a cardinal. He was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a prominent role that raised his profile as a potential papal candidate. He was also appointed president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America in 2023.

The predecessor of Pope Leo XIV, who died on April 21, 2025 Pope Francis, is remembered for championing historically progressive stances, such as spreading climate change awareness and advocating for immigrants' rights and inclusivity toward LGBTQ+ people. He was often criticized by conservatives especially in America for his left-wing stances.

Pope Leo XIV is facing similar criticisms by conservative pundits and some supporters of US President Donald Trump following news of his election as pope Thursday.

Social media posts surfaced Thursday, of the new pope's criticisms of both President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Some critics have labeled him a "WOKE MARXIST POPE" and deemed "worse than Francis" due to his stance on social issues and immigration policies.

However in social media posts Thursday, both Trump and Vance welcomed the the election of the new pope.

"Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election! I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!" Vance wrote on X.

On his part, Trump wrote, "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!"

President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with the United Kingdom during a White House event Thursday. The deal is described as "full and comprehensive" and is the first such agreement since Trump imposed sweeping global tariffs last month.

The deal includes increased market access for American exports, particularly in sectors such as chemicals, machinery, and other industrial products.

“The deal includes billions of dollars in increased market access for American exports. In addition, the UK will reduce or eliminate non-tariff barriers that unfairly discriminated against American products,” Trump said.

Tariffs on U.K. car imports will be reduced from 27.5% to 10%, and that of U.K. steel imports will be dropped. Rolls-Royce engines and plane parts will be allowed to enter the U.S. tariff-free.

The U.K. will reduce or eliminate numerous non-tariff barriers that unfairly discriminated against American products; and will lower trade barriers on U.S. beef imports and ethanol.

The deal is expected to create $5 billion in new economic opportunities for U.S. exporters.

The final details of the deal are still being written up and will be made more conclusive in the coming weeks. The specifics of the deal will need to be approved by the US Congress.

The deal is seen as a significant achievement for both Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who have been working to strengthen economic ties despite recent trade tensions.

In his remarks, Trump emphasized that this deal is the first of many, with other countries in various stages of negotiation.

Thursday's announcement marks a significant step in U.S.-U.K. trade relations and is expected to have broader implications for global trade negotiations.

Stock markets responded positively to the news, with all three major US stock indexes climbing.

Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, is facing backlash on social media, after firing two waitresses and taking further action against the individuals involved in an incident Saturday, at his Barstool Sansom Street bar in Philadelphia, where a sign that read "Fuck the Jews," was displayed.

Barstool Sansom Street bar in a statement said, "We are saddened, embarrassed, and frustrated by the deplorable actions of a customer and misguided staff."

Portnoy, who is Jewish, said he became furious after friends informed him of a video clip of the incident posted on social media. He immediately launched an investigation and spoke to the patrons responsible. Two waitresses were fired. Portnoy said, "The employees complied with a customer’s request for a sign in connection with ordering bottle service."

Portnoy in an initial video posted on X, called the waitresses and patrons "antisemites" and "disgusting piece of shit." The Barstool Sports founder who appeared visibly upset, said "I’m 20 steps ahead, and I’m using everything [at my disposal]." He also said, "I’m going to make it my life’s fucking mission to ruin these people."

The outspoken Barstool Sports founder later said in another video, that he planned to send the individuals responsible to Auschwitz (in Poland) to learn about the Holocaust, aiming, he claimed, to turn the incident into a teaching moment. Rabbi David Kushner, a chaplain with the Philadelphia Police Department, spoke with Portnoy and commended his response.

However on Monday, Portnoy retracted the offer for Mo Khan, a Temple University student, after the 21-year-old denied responsibility and claimed he was acting as a "citizen journalist" when he uploaded video of the incident on social media.

Temple University has placed Mo Khan on interim suspension and is investigating the incident. President John Fry stated, "In the strongest terms possible, let me be clear: antisemitism is abhorrent. It has no place at Temple."

This incident has sparked widespread outrage online, with many slamming Portnoy for overreacting and trying to ruin the lives of the young employees and patrons over mere words. Many noted that the Barstool founder has in the past publicly condemned 'cancel culture' and censorship.

Portnoy mentioned in another video that he has experienced increased antisemitism in the past year and a half, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Mo Khan also referenced the Israeli-Palestine conflict in a video telling his side of the story. He accused Portnoy of trying to bully him and ruin his life.