American cardinal Robert Prevost announced as Pope Leo XIV
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost stands on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time. Picture: TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images
American cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been unveiled as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church and the successor to Pope Francis. His papal name will be Leone, or Leo, XIV.
White smoke was seen atop the Sistine Chapel at around 5.10pm this evening, indicating that a successor to Pope Francis had been chosen by the 133 cardinals of the papal conclave.
The new pope was elected on the fourth count, on the second day of voting.
His identity was officially confirmed when he appeared on the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica about one hour later.
Born in Chicago, cardinal Prevost, 69, spent his career ministering South American and had previously led the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops.
His election means he will become the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
His identity was officially confirmed when he appeared on the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica about one hour later.
The voting cardinals now fill the four balconies that flank the flag-draped balcony where Pope Leo XIV will speak shortly.
Many — including several who had been identified as possible contenders — seem joyful as they look over the crowd below.
'Peace be with you all,' Pope Leo XIV said in his first public words.
"Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God.
"I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts to reach your families to all people everywhere to all the earth: peace be with you.”
Pope Leo then paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis who he described as "always courageous", and to his fellow cardinals for choosing him for the role.
He then urged Catholics around the world to “move forward, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other.”
In his speech, he spoke in Italian before switching to Spanish while recalling his many years spent as a missionary and then archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru.
In 2023, Pope Francis brought him to Rome to head the Vatican office in charge of choosing which priests should serve as Catholic bishops across the globe, meaning he has had a hand in selecting many of the world's bishops.
US president Donald Trump has already shared his reaction the election of the new pope.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope," Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social social media platform.
"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!”
A priority for the new pope will be to strengthen unity within the church amid growing polarisation in the wider world.
Pope Leone XIV assumes the role amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and in the Middle East, and at a time when the issues of climate change, migration, human rights, and religious freedom are to the fore of geopolitical discussion.
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