The Roman Catholic Church has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States as the 267th pontiff. He will take the name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American ever to ascend to the papacy.
White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:08 p.m. Wednesday, signaling that the College of Cardinals had reached a decision on the second day of the conclave.
The traditional Latin announcement — “Habemus Papam” — followed shortly after from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, confirming Prevost’s election.
The 69-year-old prelate, a Chicago native, had most recently served as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, a role considered one of the most influential within the Roman Curia.
Before that, he spent decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru, earning a reputation for humility, diplomacy and pastoral care.
His election follows the death of Pope Francis last month at age 88, closing a papacy defined by reform, outreach and global engagement.
“Pope Leo XIV brings a truly global perspective to the Chair of St. Peter,” said Cardinal Giovanni Battista, a senior figure in the conclave.
“He understands the Church in Latin America, in North America, and in Rome.”
Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful in his first public remarks from the basilica’s central loggia, offering a blessing “Urbi et Orbi” — to the city and the world — and calling for unity, compassion and peace in turbulent times.
He is expected to continue many of the pastoral priorities of his predecessor while navigating complex issues facing the Church, including sexual abuse reform, secularization, and global conflict.
The world now turns to Rome, watching as a new chapter begins.
