New Pope Leo XIV is introduced
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time in Church history that an American had led the Church.
The Cardinal Conclave at the Vatican on the evening of May 8 (Hanoi time) elected a new Pope after four rounds of voting. This is the third consecutive time the Cardinal Conclave elected a Pope on the second day of voting. In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI was elected after four rounds of voting. Pope Francis was elected in 2013 after five rounds of voting.
Crowds gathered in St Peter's Square cheered as white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:08 p.m., a sign that cardinals had chosen a new leader of the Catholic Church.
"I have great news for you. We have a pope," Cardinal Major Deacon Dominique Mamberti announced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica afterward.
The Vatican announced the new Pope is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American citizen. He is the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church and the first American Pope in history.
The new Pope chose the name Leo XIV. He appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to greet the faithful and the world.
"Peace be with you," Pope Leo XIV said in his first words from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. "This is the first greeting from the Risen Lord, and I also wish to send this greeting of peace to our hearts and to our families."
Pope Leo XIV, 69, is from Chicago, Illinois, USA. Before being elected Pope, he spent most of his career as a missionary in South America. He was bishop of Chiclayo, northwestern Peru, from 2015 to 2023.
He was appointed archbishop by Pope Francis in January 2023, a cardinal since 2024, and recently in charge of the Vatican's Congregation for Bishops. Cardinal Prevost has given few media interviews and rarely appears in public. He is said to be fluent in 5-6 languages.
The new Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue the reforms of his predecessor Francis.
Many world leaders have congratulated the new Pope. US President Donald Trump called it a "great honor" for the United States and looked forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass is scheduled to take place in the next few days.
