Robert Francis Prevost was chosen as the new pope following voting by cardinals in the Vatican at the papal conclave on Thursday. He becomes Leo XIV, the first American pope in history. The 69-year-old appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica about 70 minutes after white smoke was seen billowing from the Sistine Chapel chimney.
Announcement from the Vatican
French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti made the new pope known, using Latin words “Habemus Papam” (We have a pope). By his Thursday election, Leo becomes the 267th pope of the Catholics. This follows the demise last month of Pope Francis. He was a Latin American and had been heading the Church for 12 years.
“Peace be with all you,” Pope Leo XIV said from the balcony in his first public words.
Who is Robert Francis Prevost?
Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American cardinal of French and Italian descent, was born in Chicago on September 14, 1955. He has served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since 2023.
An Augustinian of the Order of Saint Augustine, Prevost spent many years as a missionary in Peru, was Prior General of the Augustinians (2001–2013), and Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru (2015–2023). He was made cardinal in 2023 and cardinal-bishop in 2025.
Donald Trump Congratulates New Pope
President Donald Trump congratulated Prevost on his election. “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!” the 78-year-old said in a statement on Truth Social.
