USA’s Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as New Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV
White smoke emerges from Vatican, marking new chapter in Catholic Church
Vatican City, May 8 – In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been elected as the new pope and will lead the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics as Pope Leo XIV, a senior cardinal announced before a jubilant crowd in St. Peter’s Square. The announcement came shortly after white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a new pontiff had been chosen.
The 69-year-old cardinal becomes the first American-born pope in the history of the Church, ushering in a new era of leadership from outside the traditional European strongholds.
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who served for 12 years after being elected in March 2013. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. His papacy was marked by a strong emphasis on mercy, interfaith dialogue, climate action, and outreach to the marginalized. He resigned citing declining health, making him the second pope in modern times to step down after Pope Benedict XVI in 2013.
Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted into cheers as the name of the new pope was revealed. Cardinal Prevost, a member of the Order of St. Augustine, is known for his pastoral care and dedication to reform within the Church, particularly in Latin America and his work as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
His papal name, Leo XIV, pays homage to a tradition of reformist popes, possibly referencing Pope Leo XIII, who led the Church through great societal change in the late 19th century.
The world now watches with anticipation as Pope Leo XIV prepares to deliver his first Urbi et Orbi blessing and outlines his vision for the Church in a rapidly changing global landscape.
