VATICAN CITY — History was made today at the Vatican as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope. A wave of jubilation swept through the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square, as bells rang out and cheers erupted in celebration of a momentous new chapter for the Roman Catholic Church.
In a solemn yet jubilant announcement from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, a senior cardinal declared that Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been elected the 267th pope. He has chosen the papal name Leo XIV, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy.
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away two weeks ago, leaving behind a legacy of humility, reform, and outreach to the marginalized. The new pontiff now faces the profound responsibility of leading the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics at a time of both challenge and opportunity for the Church.
