Cardinals have elected Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope, following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. Prevost, a 69-year-old American, makes history as the first pope from the United States and will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
The election was confirmed by the sight of white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the conclusion of the papal conclave. Moments later, Pope Leo XIV appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the eager crowds in St. Peter’s Square, who cheered and celebrated the new pontiff.
Prevost’s election marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, with the new pope inheriting the leadership of the 1.4 billion-strong global community.
