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.

India has launched missile strikes targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to the Indian Ministry of Defense. The attacks, which occurred early on Wednesday, are in response to a militant attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, last month that killed 26 people.

According to Pakistani officials, the strikes killed at least eight people, including a child, and injured over 35 others. Some of the attacks hit a mosque in Bahawalpur, Punjab, and several locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

The Indian Defense Ministry in a statement said that the strikes were aimed at "terrorist infrastructure" used to plan and launch attacks against India. It emphasized that the targets were selected with "considerable restraint" and that no Pakistani civilian, economic, or military targets were hit.

Pakistan has vowed a robust response, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemning the attacks as a "cowardly" act of war. The Pakistani military spokesperson confirmed that at least two Indian fighter jets were shot down in retaliation.

Islamabad has informed the UN Security Council (UNSC) about the "blatant aggression by India and the threat it posed to international peace and security," Pakistan's foreign ministry says in a statement.

"UNSC has been informed that Pakistan reserves the right to respond appropriately to this aggression at a time and place of its choosing, in accordance with its right to self-defence as enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter," it adds.

World leaders, including the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and U.S. President Donald Trump, have called for restraint and urged both countries to de-escalate tensions. The Secretary-General expressed concern about the potential for escalation of the military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

The current crisis stems from a militant attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which killed 26 people. India has blamed Pakistan for backing the attack, a claim Pakistan denies.

The dispute over Kashmir has been a long-standing issue between India and Pakistan since the partition of colonial India in 1947. Both countries claim the region in full, but each controls a section of the territory, separated by the Line of Control (LoC).

Authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have shut more than 1,000 religious schools and are preparing for possible further military action. Residents are also readying underground bunkers for safety.

Pakistan has closed its airspace for at least 48 hours, affecting multiple flights. British nationals have been advised to stay up to date with travel advice and follow local authorities' guidance.

The situation remains highly volatile, and further developments are expected as both countries continue to respond to the escalating tensions.