In a groundbreaking moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been elected the 267th pope making history as the first American ever to ascend to the papacy.
After just two days of deliberation in the Vatican’s secretive conclave, the white smoke rose over the Sistine Chapel this afternoon, signaling the election of a new spiritual leader. The 69-year-old American cleric has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the new face of the Church at a time of both celebration and global uncertainty.
With this election, Pope Leo XIV now assumes the spiritual leadership of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, ushering in a new era that will no doubt be watched closely by both faithful followers and political leaders across the globe.
His election follows the recent passing of Pope Francis, who died peacefully at the age of 88 on April 21 at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, just one day after attending the Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The choice of an American pope marks a seismic shift in the Church’s tradition, as the Vatican now looks westward for leadership in a rapidly changing world. All eyes are now on Pope Leo XIV—America’s pope on the global stage.
