Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American from Chicago and a Villanova University graduate, was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, taking the name Leo XIV. He is the first American pope in history, marking a significant departure from the tradition of selecting leaders from non-superpower nations.
Prevost has a long history of service in Peru and was recently appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
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His election was announced by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica following the appearance of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the conclusion of the conclave after four rounds of voting.
The crowd in St. Peter’s Square celebrated enthusiastically, waving flags and chanting as Leo XIV appeared to greet the faithful and call for peace.
This election follows the death of Pope Francis and represents a historic moment for both the Catholic Church and American Catholics worldwide.
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