In a momentous turn of events, Robert Francis Prevost, a cardinal from the United States, has been elected the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the 267th pontiff and the first American ever to ascend the papacy.
The announcement was made on Thursday evening from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, where tens of thousands of pilgrims and faithful from around the world had gathered under the Roman sky. At exactly 6:00 pm local time (1600 GMT), white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signalling that the College of Cardinals had successfully chosen a new pope after two days of conclave. Moments later, the senior cardinal protodeacon, Giovanni Battista Re, stepped onto the balcony to formally declare “Habemus Papam” — “We have a pope” — before introducing the 69-year-old American as the new Bishop of Rome.
Pope Leo XIV then appeared before the crowd, smiling warmly and bowing deeply as the sea of worshippers erupted into cheers. Dressed in the traditional white cassock, he greeted the crowd with the words, “Peace be with you,” before offering his first apostolic blessing. The square roared in celebration as church bells rang across the Vatican and the city of Rome.
Born in Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost has long been known for his missionary work in Latin America, particularly Peru, where he served for many years as a bishop. Before his election, he held the influential post of Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, where he oversaw the appointment of bishops globally under the pontificate of Pope Francis. His deep pastoral experience and close ties to both North and South America are expected to shape his vision for the future of the Church.
He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away last month at the age of 88, ending a 12-year papacy characterised by sweeping reforms and efforts to modernise and decentralise the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV is widely seen as a moderate in the hierarchy, blending doctrinal fidelity with pastoral sensitivity, and many Vatican watchers believe his election signals continuity with the policies of his predecessor.
Inside St Peter’s Square, emotions ran high. Pilgrims wept, embraced and sang hymns as flags from around the world waved. Bruna Hodara, a visitor from Brazil, said she felt overwhelmed witnessing history unfold before her eyes. “Habemus papam, woooo!” she exclaimed, capturing the moment on her phone. Nearby, priests held crucifixes aloft and groups of young people danced and chanted, “Viva il Papa!” as twilight descended over the Eternal City.
The conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV was the largest and most diverse in history, with 133 cardinal-electors representing more than 70 nations. Although the precise details of the voting process are secret, it is believed that the cardinals reached the necessary two-thirds majority in fewer ballots than expected. Following tradition, after accepting his election, the new pope retired to the Room of Tears to don his papal vestments before re-emerging to greet the public for the first time as Supreme Pontiff.
As he assumes leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, Pope Leo XIV faces formidable challenges. He inherits a global Church grappling with internal divisions between progressive and conservative factions, the lingering scars of clerical sexual abuse scandals, dwindling church attendance in Western nations and the broader challenge of maintaining moral relevance in an increasingly secular world. His ability to bridge divides and reinforce the Church’s spiritual authority will be closely watched.
The papal inauguration mass is expected to be held within the coming week, with world leaders, dignitaries and religious figures from across the globe already sending their messages of congratulations. Early reactions have been pouring in, with former U.S. President Donald Trump describing the election of an American pope as a “great honour” and leaders from Latin America, Europe and Africa hailing the moment as historic.
The Vatican has called on Catholics worldwide to join in prayers for Pope Leo XIV as he prepares to embark on what is expected to be a consequential papacy in the modern era. His first Urbi et Orbi — “To the City and the World” blessing is anticipated to be delivered later this week, offering a clearer glimpse into the priorities and vision of the new pope.
