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A new pope has been elected following the death of Pope Francis. White smoke began billowing from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signalling the decision by the College of Cardinals.
A large crowd in the thousands erupted into cheers as the words “Habemus Papam” ("We have a pope") rang out in St. Peter's Square, about an hour after the smoke first poured out. The new pope then came out onto the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and greeted the crowd.
First-ever American pope
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, is the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church.
A member of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA), he was ordained to the priesthood in 1982 and spent much of his early ministry in Peru, serving as a parish priest, educator, and diocesan official. Prevost earned advanced degrees in canon law and served as prior general of the Augustinians from 2001 to 2013, providing global leadership to the order.
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him apostolic administrator—and later bishop—of Chiclayo, Peru. Prevost became a naturalized Peruvian citizen in 2015, deepening his ties to the region. His leadership earned further recognition in 2023, when he was appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the Vatican’s most influential roles. That same year, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals. In 2025, he was promoted to cardinal-bishop, a distinction typically reserved for senior figures in the Church hierarchy.
Following the death of Pope Francis, Prevost emerged as a leading candidate during the conclave.
He chose the name Leo XIV, invoking a legacy of doctrinal clarity and pastoral reform. As pope, he brings decades of experience in missionary work, ecclesial governance, and theological education.
His election marks a significant moment for the global Church, reflecting its increasingly international character and the growing influence of Latin America and the United States in Catholic leadership.
The conclave took at least four ballots
The conclave, which began Wednesday, brought together 133 cardinals from around the world. After roughly four and a half hours of deliberation, the group cast their first ballots on Wednesday evening, but did not reach a majority.
Three rounds of voting earlier had produced black smoke, indicating no decision had been made. Some reports suggest it may have taken five rounds of voting to elect the new pope.
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.