VATICAN CITY — Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American missionary from Chicago, was elected pope on Thursday, becoming the first U.S. pontiff in the Catholic Church’s history. Taking the name Leo XIV, he greeted thousands in St. Peter’s Square as white smoke signaled his selection by cardinals after a two-day conclave.
Prevost, a cardinal since 2023, emerged from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, waving and smiling to a cheering crowd. “Peace be with you,” he said, addressing the tens of thousands gathered below. The election followed the death of Pope Francis last month at 88, after a 12-year papacy marked by progressive reforms and conservative backlash.
The new pope, who spent much of his career as a missionary in Peru, faces significant challenges. He must navigate a divided Church, address the ongoing clergy sexual abuse crisis, and assert moral authority amid global conflicts. His relative inexperience in public roles—he has given few media interviews—adds complexity to his task.
The conclave, the largest and most international ever with 133 cardinals from five continents, began voting Wednesday. Black smoke on Wednesday evening and Thursday midday indicated no decision, but white smoke at 6 p.m. Thursday confirmed Prevost’s election. The number of ballots remains undisclosed, but the process concluded swiftly, aligning with recent papal elections.
Prevost’s selection as the 267th pope was announced in Latin, with St. Peter’s bells and Rome’s churches ringing in celebration. Crowds rushed to the square, adorned with red curtains for his first address, marking a historic moment for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. (source: Agencies)
