In a historic decision, the Catholic Church on Thursday, May 8, elected its first American pope — US Cardinal Robert Prevost — who will now lead the 1.4 billion-member Church as Pope Leo XIV.
The white smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel about 70 minutes before Prevost appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, drawing loud cheers from tens of thousands gathered in the square. The announcement was made by French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti with the traditional Latin declaration “Pope” — We have a pope.
At 69, Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who died last month after a 12-year papacy. The Argentine pontiff was the first from Latin America and known for steering the Church toward reform and engagement with modern issues. His papacy allowed space for debate on previously taboo topics, including women’s ordination and the inclusion of LGBT Catholics.
Prevost’s election comes as a surprise to many. A native of Chicago, he was appointed cardinal only in 2023 and has largely stayed away from the public spotlight. Much of his career was spent as a missionary in Peru, and his limited media appearances have kept his views on divisive Church issues mostly unknown.
The conclave had been split in the lead-up to the vote, with some cardinals pushing for a continuation of Francis’ more open vision, and others calling for a return to older traditions. The choice of Leo XIV may signal an attempt at balance — or a new direction altogether.
