BUTUAN CITY –Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope, taking the name Leo XIV, becoming the first pontiff from the United States.
The 69-year-old, who previously served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo in Peru, was chosen by the College of Cardinals on Thursday following the fourth round of voting.
The 133 cardinal-electors, all under the age of 80, began the conclave on Wednesday in a highly secretive and ritualized process to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. The initial round of voting ended inconclusively, but on the second day, white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel, signaling a successful election.
The historic moment was announced by French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the senior cardinal deacon, who stepped onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and declared “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”) to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Moments later, Pope Leo XIV appeared, greeting the thousands of faithful with a wave before offering his first words as pontiff: “Peace be with all you.”
His election marks a significant milestone for the Roman Catholic Church, as it ushers in a new era with a pope from the United States for the first time in history.
