The Catholic Church welcomed a new leader on Thursday, May 8, as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
The announcement came from Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti, who appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the traditional Habemus Papam proclamation:
“I announce to you a great joy; we have a Pope: The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord, Lord Robert Francis Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost, who has taken the name Leo XIV.”
Shortly before the announcement, white smoke billowed from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the 133 Cardinal electors had reached a decision after their deliberations in the papal conclave.
Moments later, Pope Leo XIV emerged at the central window of the Basilica to greet the world and offer his first Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and the world”) blessing, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the global Catholic community.
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis and becomes the 267th Successor of Saint Peter, assuming the spiritual leadership of more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide
