'Habemus Papam': Leo XIV Is The New Pope, First American Pontiff Ever

As soon as white smoke was seen rising over the Italian capital, signaling the selection of a new pope, people began rushing through Rome's streets toward St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo XIV greets the world for the first time after his election on May 8.

Source : X/@VaticanNews

Robert Francis Prevost was elected on Thursday as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He will be known as Leo XIV. His election marks a historic moment as he becomes the first American pontiff, challenging pre-conclave expectations that downplayed a US candidate.

As soon as white smoke was seen rising over the Italian capital, signaling the selection of a new pope, people began rushing through Rome's streets toward St. Peter’s Square, according to a report by CNN. Crowds were pouring in from every direction, shifting their focus from the Sistine Chapel chimney to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the new pontiff is about to appear.

People from across the globe had assembled to witness the event since the conclave began on Wednesday. Leading candidates for the papacy included cardinals from Europe, Africa, and Asia, as per the CW report.

A new pope's election was necessitated after Pope Francis's demise last month after a prolonged illness.

Pope Francis was elected in 2013. He donned modest white robes when he emerged on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, rejecting the grandeur of past popes. He had adopted the name "Francis" to honour St. Francis of Assisi, known for his humility and dedication to the poor. His first words to the public were a simple “Buona sera”, meaning “good evening".

During the conclave, once a candidate secures and accepts the required two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, he selects a papal name and proceeds to the "Room of Tears" to put on his papal robes.

Pope Leo XIV appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the faithful for the first time as the 267th Pope. pic.twitter.com/tsA1a0XSOM

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025

Who Is Robert Francis Prevost?

Cardinal Robert Prevost, the newly elected Pope, brings with him a unique blend of American roots, missionary humility, and deep Vatican experience. Born in Chicago and a member of the Augustinian religious order, Prevost served as the global head of the order before embarking on a transformative missionary journey in Peru, where he eventually became Bishop of Chiclayo.

His pastoral grounding in Latin America and his fluency in Spanish earned him credibility well beyond traditional Western church structures. In 2023, Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals and entrusted him with a critical role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops — the Vatican body responsible for the selection and oversight of bishops worldwide.

Regarded as thoughtful, experienced, and spiritually grounded, Pope Robert’s election marks a continuation of Francis’s global vision for the Catholic Church. His extensive time in Peru and leadership at the Vatican may ease concerns over his American nationality, positioning him as a bridge between North and South, tradition and reform. 

United States President Donald Trump also took the stage shortly after white smoke began streaming out of the Vatican chimney, indicating that the college of cardinals had selected a new pope. “I saw the smoke, but I haven’t seen the pope,” Trump said in the White House East Room, as per the CNN report.