Robert Francis Prevost was announced as the new pope after voting in the Vatican on Thursday. He is the first American pope in history.
Prevost was elected as the new pope after cardinals in the Vatican concluded voting at the papal conclave on Thursday.
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He takes the name Leo XIV, becoming the first American pontiff in history. The 69-year-old appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica approximately 70 minutes after white smoke was seen coming from the Sistine Chapel chimney.
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French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced the new pope with the Latin words “Habemus Papam” (We have a pope). With his election on Thursday, Leo becomes the 267th Catholic pope, succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away last month. Francis was the first Latin American pope and led the Church for 12 years.
“Peace be with all of you,” Pope Leo XIV said from the balcony in his first public words.
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Who is Robert Francis Prevost?
Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American cardinal of French and Italian descent, was born in Chicago on September 14, 1955.
He has served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since 2023.
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A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, Prevost spent decades as a missionary in Peru, served as Prior General of the Augustinians (2001–2013), and was Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru (2015–2023).
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He was elevated to cardinal in 2023 and to cardinal-bishop in 2025.