Source: Antonio Masiello / Getty

Updated May 8, 2025, 2:00 p.m.

For the first time in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history, an American has been elected pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago native and longtime missionary in Peru, was chosen as the 267th pontiff on Thursday, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

The announcement came after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, followed by the ringing of St. Peter’s Basilica’s bells—historic signals that the conclave had reached a decision. Prevost secured at least 89 votes from the 133 voting cardinals.

The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted into cheers, waving flags and chanting “Viva il papa!” Nuns wept and priests made the sign of the cross as Prevost stepped onto the balcony of the basilica wearing the traditional red papal cape, one Pope Francis had declined when elected in 2013. “Peace be with you,” Prevost said in his first address, calling for peace and fearless dialogue.

Prevost, 69, has served since 2023 as head of the Vatican’s powerful office overseeing the appointment of bishops. Though there has long been hesitation about electing a U.S. pope due to the country’s global political influence, Prevost’s deep ties to Peru—where he also holds citizenship, helped ease concerns.

Pope Francis, who elevated Prevost to his Vatican role, is believed to have seen him as a possible successor. Many observers noted Prevost’s prominence entering the conclave.

The conclave began Wednesday with centuries-old rituals. Cardinals swore oaths in Latin before the chapel doors were sealed. After one inconclusive round of voting that night produced black smoke, speculation mounted. But by Thursday afternoon, the decisive white smoke appeared.

Each cardinal votes by writing a name on a ballot inscribed with “I elect as supreme pontiff,” placing it in an urn. Ballots are counted by scrutineers, bound, and burned with chemicals to create black or white smoke.

Prevost’s election marks a new chapter for the Church—one with historic roots in America and missionary service in Latin America.