The Catholic Church has elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as its new pope—the first time a pontiff has come from the United States. He will take the name Pope Leo XIV.
The 69-year-old appeared before crowds in St Peter’s Square on Thursday evening, delivering a brief message from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace.
“Peace be with all of you!” he said, offering his blessing in Italian, Spanish and Latin. “May it enter your hearts, reach your families, and all people, wherever they are.”
White smoke rising from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel had signalled to the world that the conclave of cardinals had reached its decision. Bells rang out across Vatican City as the crowd erupted in cheers, many watching the moment unfold on large screens in the square below.
The vote came on only the second day of the conclave—an unusually swift consensus among the 133 cardinals involved. While several names had circulated in recent days, few had expected an American to emerge as the Church’s new spiritual leader.
Pope Leo is widely known for his work in Latin America, having spent decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru. On Thursday, he expressed gratitude to the country that became his second home.
“I thank the faithful people of Peru, who have shared their faith generously and given so much,” he said.
Born in Chicago, he has spent much of his life overseas, first studying in Rome, then arriving in Peru in 1985. He later became bishop of Chiclayo, a city on the northern coast, and was granted Peruvian citizenship.
Newspapers in Peru were quick to highlight his deep ties to the region—describing him as a bridge between continents and cultures.
Tributes have poured in from around the world.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the election “a moment of profound spiritual significance,” and praised Pope Leo’s early call for peace. He said he hoped to continue the longstanding cooperation between the UN and the Holy See to address global challenges, including justice, reconciliation and sustainability.
“Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion,” Guterres wrote on X, quoting the new pope’s words: “May peace be with all the world.”
Back home in the United States, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.”
Chicago’s mayor, Brandon Johnson, also reacted with civic pride, writing: “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!”
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, whose decade-long papacy was marked by global outreach, efforts at reform and strong moral appeals on climate change, migration and inequality. The new pontiff paid tribute to his predecessor during his address, leading the crowd in a moment of prayer.
His path ahead will be shaped by a Church facing both internal tensions and a rapidly changing world—one that, as the new pope made clear, is in urgent need of peace.
