History was made on Thursday evening as Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old from Chicago, USA, was elected the new pope and stepped onto the Vatican balcony to greet a cheering crowd.
He will now be known as Pope Leo the Fourteenth, making him the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
As thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the successful election of a new pope. Minutes later, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, a senior Vatican official, stepped out and declared the traditional Latin words “Habemus Papam” — which means “We have a Pope.”
Pope Leo XIV then appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and addressed the crowd in Italian.
“Peace be with all of you,” he said, waving and smiling at the sea of excited worshippers.
“Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you.”
The crowd responded with loud cheers, applause, and waving of flags, as many wiped away tears and prayed together.
Pope Leo XIV was elected after two days of voting by 133 cardinals from different parts of the world. The cardinals had been locked in the papal conclave, a private meeting where no one is allowed to leave or communicate with the outside world until a decision is reached.
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV becomes the first American pope in the Church’s over 2,000-year history. He is known for his work in global missions and supporting underprivileged communities around the world.
The Catholic Church has over 1.4 billion followers globally, and many are now looking to the new pope for spiritual leadership, unity, and guidance in these challenging times.
As the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang loudly, many in the crowd said they were hopeful and excited for what lies ahead.
A pilgrim from Brazil told the press, “This is a new chapter for the Church. Pope Leo brings a fresh spirit.”
The Vatican has not yet announced when the Pope’s first Mass will be held, but his message of peace has already touched the hearts of millions.
