Choosing the first American Pope

Cardinal Robert Prevost has become the first American pope.

The Cardinals, gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, have elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope, who took the name Pope Leo XIV.

The chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke on Thursday, signalling that the 133 cardinals working inside had reached a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope for the Catholic Church.

A senior cardinal deacon, stood on the balcony on the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica, overlooking St. Peter’s Square and declared in Latin: “Nuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus papam” – “I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope”.

American Cardinal Robert Prevost was announced as the choice to replace Pope Francis.

Bells at St. Peter’s Basilica rang and crowds cheered as the white smoke billowed from the chimney.

The new leader of the Catholic Church was chosen amid the third round of conclave voting.

Cardinal Robert Prevost selected the name Leo XIV as his name for pope, a senior cardinal deacon announced.

John, the most popular name selected among cardinals, has been used 23 times. Gregory has been used 16 times, and Benedict has been chosen 16 times.

The only name that is not allowed to be used is Peter, which is an unwritten rule in the Catholic Church, paying respect to the first pope, Saint Peter.

American Cardinal Robert Prevost stands on the balcony on the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, is an American who has spent much of his career as a missionary in Peru.

Made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, he has given few media interviews and rarely speaks in public.

Originally from Chicago, he has attracted interest from his peers because of his quiet style and support for Francis’ 12-year papacy, especially his commitment to social justice issues.

Prevost served as a bishop in Chiclayo, in northwestern Peru, from 2015 to 2023.

Francis brought him to Rome that year to head the Vatican office in charge of choosing which priests should serve as Catholic bishops across the globe, meaning he has had a hand in selecting many of the world’s bishops.

Prevost said during a 2023 Vatican press conference: “Our work is to enlarge the tent and to let everyone know they are welcome inside the Church.”