Leo XIV makes history as first American pope
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, the Vatican elected US Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new pope.
The successor of the late Pope Francis will take the name Leo, the Vatican revealed.
Habemus Papam! We have a Pope!The Cardinals gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope, who took the name Pope Leo XIV. pic.twitter.com/7COawsKvWu
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025
Pope Leo XIV delivered his first public greeting from the basilica balcony, granting the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing. He thanked the cardinals who elected him and pledged to work with them “for peace.”
“We will continue the work of Pope Francis and of the Church in unifying efforts for peace across all parts of the worldm,” the pope noted, adding, “We will act without fear, striving to be messengers, aiming toward the homeland that God has chosen. Justice must prevail.”
Pope Leo XIV greets the world for the first time to grant his Urbi et Orbi blessing. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th Successor of Peter by the 133 Cardinal electors on Thursday, May 8. pic.twitter.com/Xzusx6gLoe
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025
Pope Leo XIV, 69, is the first American elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Born in Chicago, spent much of his clerical life abroad, particularly in Peru, where he served as a bishop and became a naturalized citizen. Prior to his election, he held a senior Vatican role overseeing global episcopal appointments.
US President Donald Trump congratulated American Cardinal Prevost on his election as the new pope of the Catholic Church, calling his selection “a great honor for the United States.”
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney to signal the decision, followed by celebratory bell ringing from St. Peter’s Basilica. Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square cheered as the news broke.
Prevost’s election came on the second day of the conclave, where 133 voting cardinals—each under the age of 80—were secluded under strict secrecy until a two-thirds majority was reached.
