Robert Francis Prevost Becomes First American Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV
Robert Francis Prevost became the first pope from the United States on Thursday, picking the papal name Leo XIV after cardinals from around the world elected him leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
White smoke from the Sistine Chapel billowed into the sky on the cardinals’ second day of voting, announcing his election in a secret conclave, while the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica and churches across Rome rang out.
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Tens of thousands of people packed into St. Peter’s Square cheered as Prevost appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, waving with both hands, smiling, and bowing.
“Peace be with you,” he told the crowds.
Crowds of people rushed toward the square to watch the balcony of the basilica, which had been fitted out with red curtains for the first address to the world by the 267th pope.
The new pontiff, who succeeds Argentine reformer Pope Francis, was introduced in Latin along with his chosen papal name.
