New Pope: Robert Francis Prevost is Leo XIV

The first American Pope in history, who also holds Peruvian nationality, thanked Pope Francis for his work and encouraged the faithful to build a Church that "builds bridges."

Robert Francis Prevost is the new Pope . The man who chose to call himself Leo XIV was not considered "papable," but his name was circulated as a consensus candidate who could find broad support in a divided Church, especially given his managerial experience.

Born 69 years ago in Chicago , he dedicated decades to teaching and service in Peru , and later took charge of managing troubled dioceses , as a member of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference.

At the Holy See since 2023, Prevost has headed the Curia's department for the appointment of bishops. Upon greeting the faithful in St. Peter's Square , he wished them "peace be with you." He also expressed his gratitude to his predecessor, Francis, and assured them that "evil will not prevail."

The new Pope affirmed that "we can all walk together toward the homeland that God has prepared for us" and that "together we must be a Church that builds bridges and is open to welcoming all those who need our charity."

Leo XIV also had words in Spanish , remembering his diocese of Chiclayo in Peru. "We want to be a Church that always seeks peace and charity, and is close to all who suffer," he added later.

Finally it concluded with the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing .

At 18:06 this evening, the column of white smoke , unmistakable and dense, began to rise from the chimney installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, announcing to the world that the cardinal electors had reached an agreement : the Catholic Church has a new Supreme Pontiff, Leo XIV , the 267th successor of Saint Peter .

St. Peter's Square erupted in subdued jubilation that soon turned into general acclamation as the Basilica's bells began to ring, confirming the election. Thousands of people jammed the Via della Conciliazione as they rushed from all over Rome toward St. Peter's Square.

Within the sacred walls of the Sistine Chapel, beneath the imposing gaze of Michelangelo's Last Judgment, moments of profound significance were experienced. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost , who obtained the necessary majority—at least 89 votes out of the 133 participating cardinals after the resignation for health reasons of the Spaniard Antonio Cañizares and the Kenyan John Njue —was to be formally questioned by the senior cardinal. "Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?" he was presumably asked. With his "I accept," he instantly became the Pope. Immediately afterward, he answered the second crucial question: "By what name do you wish to be called?" Leo XIV was his response.

As the new Pope retired to the "Hall of Tears" - so named for the emotion that overwhelms the newly elected upon assuming such an immense responsibility - to wear the white cassock for the first time, the ballots from the last vote, along with the notes of the cardinals, were burned.

This Conclave, governed by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis of John Paul II , with modifications by Benedict XVI and kept intact by Francis, began last Wednesday the 7th. The Cardinals stayed at the Casa Santa Marta , from where they left that morning for St. Peter's for the Mass "Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice" . In the afternoon, in procession from the Pauline Chapel, they entered the Sistine Chapel. After the solemn oath of secrecy and the "Extra omnes" pronounced by the master of ceremonies, who ordered the exit of all non-electors, the doors were closed, beginning the voting process.