The first American Pope: Cardinal Robert Prevost elected Pope Leo XIV

In a surprise decision on Thursday, U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Leo XIV and becoming the first American pontiff. The 69-year-old Chicago native, who spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru and became a cardinal only in 2023, appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica about 70 minutes after white smoke signaled the conclave’s decision. His election was announced to tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square with the traditional Latin phrase “Habemus Papam.” Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who led the Church for 12 years with reforms that opened debate on issues like women’s ordination and LGBT inclusion.