Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope at the 2025 conclave.
The new pope is originally from Chicago and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
The 69-year-old new pope appeared at the balcony in St. Peter’s Basilica and said Peace be with all of you!” He noted he wanted his message of peace to “enter your hearts, reach your families and all people, wherever they are.”
He thanked his fellow cardinals for selecting him, and spoke in Italian, Spanish and Latin. Having spent years working in Peru, he thanked his former diocese in the South American country, “where a loyal people has shared its faith and has given a lot,” he said.
He also spoke warmly of Pope Francis and concluded by leading the crowd in prayer. The new pontiff was chosen by 133 cardinal electors by a two-third majority.
