Habemus Papam: First American Pope Elected, Will Be Known as Pope Leo XIV

The identity of the new pope has been revealed as U.S.-born Robert Francis Prevost. He will take the papal name Leo XIV (Leone XIV in Italian). His election as the new pontiff came on the first full day of voting by the 133 cardinal electors.

The momentous announcement was made known to the world through the traditional sign of white smoke emerging from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a decision had been reached. Cheers, applause, and the ringing of bells filled St. Peter’s Square as the white smoke billowed into the sky a few minutes after 4:00 p.m. GMT.

The 133 cardinal electors had been locked inside the Sistine Chapel, completely isolated from the outside world. The only communication from within was the smoke signals from the chapel’s chimney. To be elected, the new pope had to secure at least 89 votes—a two-thirds majority of the electors.

Catholic cardinals reached an agreement on the second day of voting, and shortly afterward, the senior cardinal deacon stepped out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to declare “Habemus Papam!”—Latin for “We have a pope!” He then announced the new pope’s birth name in Latin and the papal name he has chosen.

Following this, Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance and delivered his inaugural blessing to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square.