America's Robert Francis Prevost chosen as new Pope

A cardinal appeared at the St. Peter’s Basilica balcony about 7:15 Roman time to announce the newest Pope. It is the first American pope, Robert Francis Prevost, 69, of Chicago. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV. The last Pope Leo was elected in 1878 and served until his death in 1903. He was made a cardinal by Francis in 2023. He was the former leader of the Augustinian order and also appointed by Francis to the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, which oversees the selection of new bishops from around the world. He has significant missionary experience in Peru, serving as bishop of the northern city of Chiclayo. In his first appearance from the St. Peter’s Basilica balcony, Pope Leo spoke of peace and the need for charity to unify humanity during troubled times. The passion he holds for this message was notable in his voice and face as he spoke. He appears to share the vision of Pope Francis. Trump congratulates: ‘What a Great Honour for our Country’ U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to the news in a post on Truth Social . He pointed out that Prevost was the first American pope to be elected. “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honour to realize that he is the first American Pope,” wrote Trump on Thursday afternoon. “What excitement, and what a Great Honour for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

pic.twitter.com/C0lFLq2Q2j— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) May 8, 2025

White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney about an hour prior to the announcement, alerting the crowd of faithful Catholics gathered in St. Peter’s Square that the College of Cardinals have elected a new Pope. The sign came on the second day of voting and the fourth vote. The Cardinals reached the two-third majority required to elevate one of their ranks to be head of the church. The gathered crowd cheered in elation as the smoke rose on a beautiful Thursday evening in Rome. Flags from all over the world were evident among them, including Canada’s. For much of the past century, the conclave has needed between three and 14 ballots to find a pope. John Paul I — the pope who reigned for 33 days in 1978 — was elected on the fourth ballot. His successor, John Paul II, needed eight. Francis was elected on the fifth in 2013. — With inputs from Courtney Greenberg 

• White smoke pours out of the Sistine Chapel chimney — a new pope has been elected
• What's in a 'papal name' and what the new pope's choice could mean for the church

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