On Thursday, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the first U.S. pope, taking the name Leo XIV, chosen by cardinals worldwide to lead the 1.4 billion Catholics. Crowds in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as he appeared on the basilica’s balcony, smiling, waving, and saying, “Peace be with you.” White smoke from the Sistine Chapel signaled his election after two days of secret voting, with bells ringing across Rome in celebration.
Leo XIV faces immense challenges: guiding the Church through global conflicts, uniting its divided factions, and addressing ongoing issues like the sexual abuse scandal. The conclave, the largest ever with 133 cardinals from five continents, began voting Wednesday. Black smoke on Wednesday evening and Thursday midday indicated no decision, but white smoke at 6:00 p.m.
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Thursday confirmed the new pope. While the number of ballots remains secret, the process concluded swiftly, aligning with recent elections like Benedict XVI’s in 2005 (four ballots) and Francis’s in 2013 (five ballots). A two-thirds majority was required for victory.
Following tradition, Leo XIV entered the Room of Tears to don the papal cassock, then accepted the cardinals’ allegiance in the Sistine Chapel. He appeared on the balcony with a senior cardinal who proclaimed “Habemus Papam” before delivering a brief speech and his first “Urbi et Orbi” blessing.
His election comes amid global uncertainty and Church divisions. Unlike his predecessor Francis, who focused on compassion, migrants, and the environment but faced criticism from traditionalists, Leo XIV must balance pastoral leadership with diplomatic finesse to navigate these tensions.
