VATICAN CITY — In a historic first for the Roman Catholic Church, American Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement, delivered from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, marked a watershed moment as the 69-year-old became the first American ever to lead the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.

Appearing before a jubilant crowd shortly after the iconic white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, Pope Leo XIV greeted the world with a heartfelt message: “Peace be with all of you!” The pontiff expressed a desire for his message to “enter your hearts, reach your families and all people, wherever they are.”

In a multilingual address—delivered in Italian, Spanish, and Latin—he thanked the College of Cardinals for their trust and expressed deep appreciation for his former diocese in Peru, where he spent many years in pastoral service. “A loyal people has shared its faith and has given a lot,” he said, in a tribute that resonated deeply across Latin America.

Pope Leo also paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, before leading thousands of gathered faithful in prayer.

The atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square was electric as the white smoke appeared, followed by the pealing of the basilica’s bells. The traditional Latin pronouncement—“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I bring you tidings of great joy: We have a pope!”)—was met with a roar of joy by the thousands gathered.

The decision came on the second day of the conclave, defying many predictions. Church analysts had listed various frontrunners but had not expected an American cardinal to emerge as pope.

Global Reactions

U.S. political figures reacted swiftly to the news. Former President Donald Trump called it “a Great Honor for our Country” on social media, expressing pride in the first American pontiff.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, celebrating the new pope’s local roots, wrote: “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!”

In Rome, streets near the Via della Conciliazione swelled with thousands of pilgrims and onlookers as the Vatican unveiled the new pontiff to the world. In accordance with long-standing tradition, the elected cardinal accepted his role, chose his papal name, and was fitted in papal white before making his debut appearance.

Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy amid great anticipation, inheriting a Church navigating global challenges and opportunities—from secularism and social justice to interfaith dialogue and moral leadership in a fractured world.

As bells rang and flags waved, a new chapter in Catholic history had begun—one led by a humble servant from Chicago, now the supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church.

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