LAST UPDATE: 21:30
The American Robert Francis Prevost is the new Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, as elected by the vote of the 133 Cardinals. He chose the name “Pope Leo XIV”.
The 69-year-old Cardinal secured the majority of votes during the afternoon session of the conclave, and shortly after 7:00 PM local time, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that a new Pope had been chosen and had accepted the role.
At approximately 8:30 PM, Pope Prevost appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver his first public blessing, as thousands of faithful had already filled St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding streets, awaiting the announcement with prayer and celebration.
The official confirmation came with the traditional Latin phrase “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”), declared by the senior Cardinal Deacon. He introduced the newly elected Pope and announced the name he has chosen to bear during his pontificate.
Pope Robert Francis Prevost now takes on the spiritual leadership of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, as well as a significant global diplomatic and moral role.
“Peace to the World”: First Message of Pope Leo XIV Draws Hope and Unity
Visibly moved, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square, who erupted in cheers and chants of “Viva il Papa!”—“Long live the Pope!”
“Peace to you all, brothers and sisters. This is the first greeting of the Risen Lord,” said Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States. “May this greeting reach your families, and the whole world. Peace be with you. This is the peace of the Risen Lord, humble and persistent, from the God who loves us all, without limits.”
In his first public address following his election as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV evoked the voice of his predecessor: “We still remember the frail voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome and the world on Easter morning. Allow me to continue that blessing: God loves you all. Evil will not prevail. Without fear, united, hand in hand, we move forward.”
He continued: “We are disciples of the Lord, and the world needs His light. He is the bridge through which God and His love reach us. Help us build bridges through dialogue, through encounter, united as one people—always with peace. Pope Francis, we thank you.”
The newly elected pontiff expressed gratitude to the 133 Cardinals who participated in the conclave, saying:
“Thank you to all the Cardinals who chose me to walk with them in the pursuit of peace and justice, and to serve as men and women of Jesus, proclaiming the Gospel with vision.”
Referring to his Augustinian heritage, he added: “I am a child of Saint Augustine, who once said: ‘With you I am a Christian, and for you I am a bishop.’ Together, let us journey toward the homeland prepared for us by God.”
Pope Leo XIV addressed a special message to the Diocese of Rome, calling on the Church to be missionary, open, and dialogical: “We must be a missionary Church that builds dialogue and bridges—like this square, with open arms, dialogue, and love.”
He emphasized the importance of synodality and solidarity with those who suffer: “To all of you, brothers and sisters, I say that I wish for us to be a synodal Church, always seeking peace and standing with those in pain.”
Closing his message, the Pope invoked the Virgin Mary: “She is always at our side. I ask you to pray with me for this new mission of mine—for peace in the world. And let us ask the Virgin to bless us.”
As tradition dictates, Pope Leo XIV also granted a plenary indulgence to the faithful gathered, following the example of his predecessors. More than 200,000 people from around the world filled St. Peter’s Square to receive his first blessing, waving flags from nearly every Catholic nation.
Whos is the new Pope
Robert Francis Prevost, born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, is the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. His election on May 8, 2025, marks a historic moment as he becomes the first American to ascend to the papacy.
Prevost was raised in a multicultural family with French, Italian, and Spanish heritage. He pursued higher education at Villanova University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1977. He later obtained a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and both a licentiate and doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
In 1977, Prevost entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine and professed his solemn vows in 1981. He was ordained a priest in 1982. His missionary journey led him to Peru in 1985, where he served in various capacities, including as a parish pastor, seminary teacher, and diocesan official. His deep commitment to the Peruvian community culminated in his naturalization as a Peruvian citizen in 2015.
Prevost’s leadership within the Church is notable. He served as Prior General of the Augustinian Order from 2001 to 2013. In 2014, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, a position he held until 2023. That year, Pope Francis appointed him as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, entrusting him with the significant responsibility of overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
