American Cardinal Robert Prevost elected new Pope, takes name Leo XIV

The Catholic Church has a new leader: US-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. Following the iconic white smoke signal from the Sistine Chapel earlier today, his identity has now been revealed, and he will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

The election of Cardinal Prevost came swiftly on the first full day of voting by the 133 cardinal electors who had gathered in secrecy for the papal conclave. This marks a relatively quick decision, with the cardinals reaching a consensus on the third ballot cast.

The white smoke, the traditional sign of a successful papal election, sent waves of elation through St. Peter’s Square, where thousands had been awaiting the announcement. The cardinals, locked within the Sistine Chapel with their only link to the outside world being the signals from its chimney, have now concluded their deliberations.

Pope Leo XIV is now preparing to deliver his first public address and blessing (“Urbi et Orbi” – to the city and the world) to the vast crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, marking the official commencement of his pontificate. The world awaits his first words and the direction he will set for the global Catholic community.

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