Pope Leo XIV: A New Dawn from America
Robert Prevost Elected First American Pope, Takes Name Pope Leo XIV
Vatican City – In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, United States Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the 267th pontiff, becoming the first American to assume the papacy in the Church’s 2,000-year history. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
The announcement came Thursday evening after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:07pm local time, signaling that the conclave of 133 cardinals had successfully elected a new pope on the second day of deliberations. The decisive vote required at least 89 votes. Moments later, the traditional Latin declaration “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”) rang out from the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica, followed by the revelation of his name.
Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance to a jubilant crowd in St Peter’s Square, offering his inaugural blessing and delivering a message steeped in hope and unity. “Peace be with all of you,” he said, repeating the phrase that would become the central theme of his address. “Evil will not prevail; we are in the hands of God. So without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we go forward.”
In a nod to his predecessor, he added simply, “Thank you, Pope Francis.”
The new pontiff emphasized the need for a “missionary church… that builds bridges, is always open to welcome everyone,” signaling an inclusive and outward-looking vision. His remarks also included appeals for global peace and disarmament, infusing his religious message with a distinctly political tone.
“He is clearly setting the tone for his papacy,” noted Al Jazeera’s Hoda Abdel-Hamid, reporting from Vatican City. “He’s calling for peace everywhere, calling for building bridges – so we do get an idea of the direction in which he will be heading.”
The reaction in the square was emotional and electric. Pilgrims shouted “Viva il Papa!” (“Long live the Pope!”), as priests blessed the crowd and nuns wept in joy. Some had prepared for a long vigil, bringing chairs, food, and books—but the quick consensus in the conclave surprised many.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a significant chapter for the Church as it navigates the challenges of a rapidly changing world, and his early words suggest a papacy rooted in peace, openness, and moral courage.