The Catholic Church elects new pope following the death of Pope Francis in April. On May 8, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pontiff by the College of Cardinals. The chosen candidate, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has taken the name Pope Leo XIV.
According to TIME, Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church. Born in Chicago and later a Peruvian citizen, he brings deep pastoral and administrative experience.
The conclave began on May 7, with 133 cardinal-electors gathering at Casa Santa Marta. After four ballots cast in the Sistine Chapel, the traditional white smoke signaled that a decision had been reached.
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti then announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica: “Habemus papam”—“We have a pope.” Pope Leo XIV soon appeared before the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
The Catholic Church elects new pope at a time of transition. Pope Francis, who led the Church from 2013 until his death in 2025, was buried at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore with a simple tomb marked Franciscus.
Pope Francis had long been preparing the Church’s leadership for the future. In fact, he had created 20 new cardinals ahead of his retirement and elevated 21 clergymen to the cardinal rank in recent years, some of whom participated in the recent conclave.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papal service, his dual background in North and South America is expected to influence his priorities in leading the global Church.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
