Habemus Papam! The Roman Catholic Church has a new leader. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th Pope by the College of Cardinals gathered in conclave at the Sistine Chapel.
The announcement was made to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as the newly elected pontiff emerged before a jubilant crowd in St. Peter’s Square. Taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the latest successor to Saint Peter and the spiritual leader of more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
Pope Leo XIV succeeds his predecessor following the traditional conclave process, where 133 Cardinal electors deliberated in strict secrecy until reaching the two-thirds majority required to elect a new pontiff. White smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney earlier signaled the successful conclusion of the election.
Cardinal Prevost, a native of the United States, has served in various leadership roles within the Church and is known for his pastoral experience, theological depth, and commitment to global social justice causes. His choice of the name Leo is seen by many Vatican watchers as a nod to reform-minded predecessors and a possible indication of the direction he intends to take the papacy.
The new Pope will now begin his duties as Bishop of Rome and head of the Vatican City State, with a formal inaugural Mass expected in the coming days.
