History was made Thursday as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, originally from Chicago, was elected the new Pope — the first American to ever lead the Roman Catholic Church.
He will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.
The announcement came after white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the College of Cardinals had chosen a new leader.
The decision came after just two days of voting by 133 cardinals from around the world.
When he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the cheering crowd with a warm smile and a message of hope and comfort. “Peace be with you all,” he said, before adding: “God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God.”
Pope Leo XIV takes over following the death of Pope Francis on April 21st.
At 69 years old, the new pope brings decades of experience in both the U.S. and Latin America.
He previously served as a bishop in Peru and, more recently, led the Vatican’s office responsible for appointing bishops around the world.
In his first address, the pope emphasized unity and healing within the Church.
For American Catholics, his election marks a historic moment.
As he begins his papacy, Catholics around the globe will be watching closely to see how Pope Leo XIV leads the Church.
