In a historic decision, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church on Thursday, May 8, 2025, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy.
Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, his election by cardinals from across the globe marks a new chapter for the Church’s 1.4 billion faithful.
The announcement of his election sent waves of excitement through St. Peter’s Square, where tens of thousands had gathered in anticipation.
Moments after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney—signaling the conclusion of the conclave, bells from St. Peter’s Basilica and churches across Rome rang out in celebration.
The crowd erupted into cheers as Prevost appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, smiling broadly, waving with both hands, and bowing humbly.
“Peace be with you,” he said, greeting the sea of pilgrims and onlookers who had come to witness the historic moment.
The election came on the conclave’s second day of voting, with 133 cardinals, known as the “Princes of the Church”, casting their ballots in a secretive process held within the Sistine Chapel.
Sworn to absolute confidentiality under threat of excommunication, the cardinals communicated their progress to the outside world solely through the smoke signals rising from the chapel’s chimney.
The sight of white smoke late Thursday afternoon confirmed what many had waited anxiously to hear: the Church had a new leader.
For hours, pilgrims and tourists surged towards the basilica, where red curtains had been drawn across its grand balcony, ready for the traditional first address by the new pontiff.
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, the Argentine reformer who passed away last month at the age of 88, after a 12-year papacy marked by compassion and controversy.
Francis was celebrated for his focus on social justice and inclusivity but faced criticism from traditionalists for his progressive stances.
Witnesses to the grand spectacle spoke of the electric atmosphere in the square.
Joseph Brian, a 39-year-old chef from Belfast, Northern Ireland, expressed his awe: “I’m not an overly religious person, but being here with all these people just blew me away,” he said, watching as the crowd waved flags and cheered. Nearby, a priest perched on a man’s shoulders brandished a Brazilian flag, while another raised a heavy crucifix high above his head in jubilation.
The declaration of “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”) echoed through the crowd as the newly elected pontiff was introduced with his papal name in Latin.
Bruna Hodara, 41, from Brazil, captured the moment on her phone, joining thousands of others who shouted “Viva Il Papa!”, “Long live the pope!”, in celebration. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be here. It’s really special… I’m excited!” said Florian Fried, a 15-year-old from Munich, Germany.
Pope Leo XIV now inherits the weighty responsibilities of leading the Church during a time of global turmoil and division within its own ranks.
His papacy is expected to confront critical issues, including healing the scars left by clerical sexual abuse scandals, addressing geopolitical conflicts, and unifying a Church increasingly split along ideological lines.
The papal election, which concluded swiftly in less than two days, followed recent tradition; Pope Benedict XVI was chosen in four ballots in 2005, while Pope Francis required five in 2013. Though the exact number of votes cast remains secret, the process demands a two-thirds majority for election.
Following the announcement, Pope Leo XIV was led to the Room of Tears, a private chamber where new popes don the papal cassock for the first time and reflect on the magnitude of their calling.
He then returned to the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals pledged their obedience, before emerging on the basilica’s balcony to deliver his inaugural blessing, “Urbi et Orbi”—to the City and to the World.
The election of the new pope comes amid rising tensions worldwide and growing challenges for the Church, including declining priesthood numbers and dwindling congregations in the West.
It also underscores the growing international makeup of the cardinal electorate, with 80 percent of them appointed by Pope Francis from over 70 nations.
The question leading up to the conclave was whether the Church would choose a pastor or diplomat, a reformer or traditionalist.
For many, Pope Leo XIV represents a bridge between those ideals, a leader tasked with safeguarding tradition while steering the Church into the complexities of the modern world.
Pope Leo XIV’s papal inauguration is expected to take place within a week, with a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica attended by political and religious leaders from around the globe.
The world now watches closely as the first American pope begins his journey, carrying with him the hopes of millions and the legacy of centuries.
