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Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago, was elected the 267th pope on Wednesday, becoming the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. The decision came after a two-day conclave that culminated with white smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at approximately 6:15 p.m. local time, signaling a successful vote.
Prevost, 69, chose the papal name Leo XIV, stepping into the role following the death of Pope Francis last month. The conclave included 133 cardinal-electors, of whom Prevost secured the necessary supermajority to be named pontiff.
The election process, steeped in centuries of tradition, concluded as Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to proclaim “Habemus papam”, Latin for “We have a pope”, before introducing the new leader to a crowd gathered in Vatican Square.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. He made history as the first pontiff from Latin America and served for 12 years. During his papacy, he emphasized greater inclusion within the Church and appointed a broad spectrum of cardinals, nearly 80% of those who voted in this conclave, many of whom are younger and hail from regions outside Europe, reflecting his push for a more diverse and globally representative clergy.
With information from Vatican News.
