US Cardinal Prevost Elected Pope Leo XIV in Shocking Twist

Historic Moment: US Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as New Pope, Takes Name Pope Leo XIV

9988e034ef200f446554376d5fbfaeb1 — Robert Francis Prevost, elected as Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was born in the United States, was elected as the new pope and will be known as Pope Leo XIV, marking a significant milestone for the Catholic Church. The College of Cardinals’ third round of voting, which had begun just one day earlier, confirmed his candidacy. The famous white smoke that rises from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, a centuries-old custom that marks the appointment of a new pope, initially announced the historic announcement.

During the conclave, the only way the 133 cardinal-electors assembled in Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel could communicate with one another was by the color of the smoke coming from the chapel’s chimney. The people gathered at St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers, applause, and bell ringing just after 4 PM GMT upon seeing the white smoke, which signified the election of a new leader for the worldwide Catholic Church.

Cardinal Prevost obtained a resounding majority, as required by Vatican procedure, which calls for at least 89 of the 133 votes to elect a new pope. To formally reveal the new pope to the world, a senior cardinal, also referred to as the cardinal deacon, made an appearance on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after the traditional Latin words “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”). Cardinal Prevost’s chosen papal name, Leo XIV, as well as his given name were announced.

As Pope Leo XIV prepares to deliver his first public address and blessing from the famous loggia overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Catholics around the world eagerly await his message and the vision he brings to the Church. This marks a new chapter in Catholic history, not only because of his American roots but also due to the expectations he carries as the spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics globally.