Habemus Papam

Chicago native Cardinal Prevost elected pope, takes name Leo XIV

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Robert Cardinal Prevost, the Chicago-born prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis, was elected the 267th pope May 8 and took the name Pope Leo XIV.

He is the first North American to be elected pope and, before the conclave, was the U.S. cardinal most mentioned as a potential successor of St. Peter.

The white smoke poured from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel at 6:07 p.m. Rome time and a few minutes later the bells of St. Peter's Basilica began to ring. Read more​

• ​Cardinal DiNardo: Pope Leo XIV is a ‘citizen of the entire world’​
  At a news conference a day after the election of Pope Leo XIV, other U.S.-based cardinals joined Daniel Cardinal DiNardo ​in reflecting on the conclave and the new pope.
• At Mass for new pope, Archbishop Vásquez echoes Pope Leo XIV's call for peace
  During his homily, Archbishop Vásquez welcomed the newly elected pontiff, calling him "an excellent man to lead us," and thanked the Cardinal Electors of the conclave for their discernment, under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
• Pope Leo to diplomats: Church will always speak truth, work for justice
• Pope Leo XIV on social media: Instagram and X accounts up and growing
• Pope Leo XIV’s installation Mass: A new beginning rooted in tradition
• ​10 things to know about Pope Leo XIV
  As the Catholic Church welcomes its first American pope, here are 10 things to know about Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Cardinal Prevost.​
• ​Pope Leo XIV: Peacemaker and openness in an historic name
  Even before he stepped out on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and spoke May 8, Pope Leo XIV's choice of a name was a powerful statement.​​​​​​
• Read Pope Leo XIV's first address as pontiff
• Who was Pope Leo XIII, the father of social doctrine?
• From smoke to loggia: What happens when a pope is chosen?
• Read the Vatican's official biography of Pope Leo XIV

Photo Galleries

• The First Five Days of Pope Leo XIV in Photos
• Pope Leo XIV greets the world
  Standing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the new pope greeted thousands who packed St. Peter's Square. 

(Photo: © Vatican Media)