When the cardinals in the Vatican finished voting at the papal conclave, Robert Francis Prevost was chosen as the new pope. He becomes the first American pope in history and adopts the name Leo XIV. Approximately 70 minutes after white smoke was observed emanating from the Sistine Chapel chimney, the 69-year-old made an appearance on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
The Latin phrase "Habemus Papam" (We have a pope) was used by French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti to proclaim the new pope. Following the death of Pope Francis last month—the first Latin American pope to lead the Church for 12 years—Leo's election makes him the 267th Catholic pope. In his first public remarks, Pope Leo XIV declared, "Peace be with all you," from the balcony.
Who is Robert Francis Prevost?
Robert Born in Chicago on september 14, 1955, Francis Prevost is a 69-year-old American cardinal of French and Italian ancestry. Since 2023, he has held the positions of President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
Prior General of the Augustinians (2001–2013), Bishop of Chiclayo, peru (2015–2023), and a member of the Order of Saint Augustine, Prevost worked as a missionary in peru for decades. In 2023, he was promoted to cardinal, and in 2025, he became cardinal bishop.
Prevost was congratulated on his election by President Donald Trump. "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" the 78-year-old said in a statement on Truth Social.
The Latin phrase "Habemus Papam" (We have a pope) was used by French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti to proclaim the new pope. Following the death of Pope Francis last month—the first Latin American pope to lead the Church for 12 years—Leo's election makes him the 267th Catholic pope. In his first public remarks, Pope Leo XIV declared, "Peace be with all you," from the balcony.
Who is Robert Francis Prevost?
Robert Born in Chicago on september 14, 1955, Francis Prevost is a 69-year-old American cardinal of French and Italian ancestry. Since 2023, he has held the positions of President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
Prior General of the Augustinians (2001–2013), Bishop of Chiclayo, peru (2015–2023), and a member of the Order of Saint Augustine, Prevost worked as a missionary in peru for decades. In 2023, he was promoted to cardinal, and in 2025, he became cardinal bishop.
Prevost was congratulated on his election by President Donald Trump. "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" the 78-year-old said in a statement on Truth Social.
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