Robert Prevost of the United States has been named Pope Leo XIV, the first ever American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
Prevost, a Chicago native, 69, was a missionary and spent his career ministering in Peru and led the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops. He is the 267th pope in the church’s history.
White smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel chimney Thursday evening, signaling that a pontiff had been elected to lead the powerful church.
“Peace be with you all. Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts to reach your families to all people everywhere to all the earth: peace be with you,” were his first words.
Former Pope Francis invited Prevost to the Vatican in 2023 to serve as the head of the office that vets bishop nominations globally, giving him a prominence that other cardinals didn’t have.
A total of 135 eligible cardinals participated in the secretive voting process known as “the conclave”, having no contact with the outside world. Their votes are secret.
In early 2025, Francis showed his appreciation of Prevost, who is also a Peruvian citizen, by appointing him to the most senior rank of cardinals.
