The Catholic Church has a new pope, Leo XIV

American Robert Francis Prevost, 69, became the first pope from the United States on Thursday, taking the name Leo XIV, the Vatican announced. White smoke, announcing his papal election, appeared Thursday evening above the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.

The conclave elected the 267th Bishop of Rome, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. The announcement was made to the crowd by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti on Thursday, May 8.

« I bring you good news: we have a Pope! » Moments ago, from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominic Mamberti pronounced the famous Latin formula, announcing to Rome and the world the name of the new Successor of Peter:

« The Most Eminent and Reverend Lord, Monsignor Robert Francis, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Prevost, who has given himself the name of Leo XIV. »

Robert Francis Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV, is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine. He served as a missionary in Peru for many years and speaks several foreign languages. Born in Chicago, this close collaborator of Francis, discreet and reserved, has a reputation within the Curia, the Vatican government, as a moderate capable of reconciling divergent points of view. He is the first pope from the United States.

Afterward, Leo XIV addressed the more than 1.4 billion Catholics: « Peace be with you all! » were his first words, in Italian tinged with an American accent. « Thank you, Pope Francis, » he also said, thanking his fellow cardinals for electing him.

In his first address, Leo XIV issued a « call for peace » to « all peoples » and urged them to « build bridges » through « dialogue, » calling for « forward » « without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other. »

The new pontiff received a two-thirds majority, or at least 89 votes, in favor of his name. However, due to the absolute secrecy surrounding the conclave, the details of the vote are not known.

©2025 – IMPACT EUROPEAN

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