Robert F. Prevost elected as new pope, becomes first American to hold the title

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has officially been elected as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the 267th pope in the Church’s history and the first-ever pope from the United States. The announcement came on May 8, 2025, when white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel—a centuries-old tradition signaling a successful papal conclave.

Prevost, age 69, was selected by 133 voting cardinals after four rounds of deliberation. He will assume the name Pope Leo XIV and is expected to make his first public appearance from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. A native of Chicago, he previously served in various leadership roles within the Church, including as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.

His election follows the death of Pope Francis in April and marks a historic shift in the Vatican’s leadership. Faithful around the world are now watching closely as Pope Leo XIV prepares to step into one of the most influential religious roles on the planet.