U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost elected Pope Leo XIV, becomes first American pontiff

VATICAN CITY, May 8 :

In a historic development, U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. He will assume the name Pope Leo XIV.

The 69-year-old cardinal emerged on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday evening, shortly after the traditional white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney — the centuries-old signal that a new pope has been chosen by the College of Cardinals.

“Peace be with all of you,” Pope Leo XIV said in his first public address as pontiff. He expressed a desire for his message of peace to “enter your hearts, reach your families and all people, wherever they are.”

Addressing the gathering in Italian, Spanish, and Latin, the newly elected pope thanked his fellow cardinals for entrusting him with the leadership of the Church. He also extended his gratitude to the faithful of Peru, where he previously served as bishop, referring to them as “a loyal people” who have “shared their faith and given a lot.”

In a moment of continuity, Pope Leo XIV spoke warmly of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and concluded his address by leading the assembled faithful in prayer.

Earlier in the day, the Vatican had witnessed scenes of jubilation as white smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the conclave of 133 cardinal electors had reached a decision. The announcement was followed by the ringing of the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica and cheers from the crowd gathered in the square, many of whom waved flags representing their home countries.

The traditional Latin announcement of Habemus Papam (“We have a pope”) was anticipated to be delivered by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, a senior Vatican official. However, it was Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard who ultimately confirmed the name of the new pontiff to the crowd and to the world.

Pope Leo XIV now assumes leadership of the Catholic Church at a time of global challenges and renewed calls for reform and unity.