Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI / AFP / Getty Images
White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday (May 8) afternoon, signaling the election of a new pope by the College of Cardinals. The announcement came after two days of conclave meetings, where 133 cardinals gathered to choose a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away in April. The new pope needed at least 89 votes to be elected.
The crowd in St. Peter's Square erupted in applause as the white smoke appeared, indicating that the cardinals had reached a consensus. About an hour later, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti emerged onto the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and announced that Cardinal Robert Prevost was chosen as the new pope. He will take the name of Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American-born cardinal to be elected as pope.
Pope Leo XIV brought up his predecessor, Pope Francis as he addressed the massive crowd in St. Peter's Square for the first time.
“Let us keep in our ears the weak voice of Pope Francis that blesses Rome. The Pope who blessed Rome, gave his blessing to the entire world that morning of Easter. Allow me to follow up on that blessing. God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail,” he said in Italian.
He also addressed his "beloved diocese” in Peru, where he served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2014-2023.
“To my dearest beloved diocese in Peru, where a faithful people accompanied their bishop to share their faith with him, and who have done so much to be a faithful church,” he said in Spanish.
The election comes at a time of uncertainty for the Catholic Church, as Pope Leo XIV will face decisions about continuing Pope Francis' agenda of inclusion and openness.
Pope Leo XIV is the 267th pontiff, following Pope Francis, who died after a long illness.