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!"
