Cardinals from across the globe elected Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope, making him the first pontiff from the United States. He has taken the name Pope Leo XIV.
Tens of thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as Prevost appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, smiling warmly, waving with both hands, and bowing to the assembled crowd.
“Peace be with you,” he declared, offering his first words as pope.
White smoke from Sistine Chapel
White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in the early evening on the second day of voting, signalling his election in the secret conclave. Simultaneously, the bells of St Peter’s Basilica and churches throughout Rome rang out in celebration.
Crowds surged toward the square, eager to witness the traditional appearance from the basilica’s red-draped balcony — the first address to the world by the new leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Argentine reformer Pope Francis, who died last month aged 88 after a 12-year papacy characterised by his progressive reforms and focus on compassion, though not without controversy.
The new pope was formally introduced in Latin, with his chosen name, amid jubilant scenes. One priest was seen atop another’s shoulders waving a Brazilian flag, while another raised a crucifix aloft in exultation.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” said a delighted Joseph Brian, a 39-year-old chef from Belfast, who travelled to Rome with his mother. “I’m not an overly religious person, but being here with all these people just blew me away,” he told French news agency AFP.
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‘Habemus Papam’
“Habemus papam, woooo!” cried Bruna Hodara, 41, from Brazil, repeating the words traditionally spoken as the new pope is announced, AFP reported. She, like many, recorded the historic moment on her phone, while others waved flags and shouted “Viva il Papa!” – Italian for “Long live the Pope!”
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness this,” said Florian Fried, 15, from Munich. “It’s really special... I’m excited!”
The new pontiff faces formidable challenges ahead. Beyond the spiritual and symbolic role, he inherits a deeply divided Church and a world beset by conflict, with the added burden of ongoing fallout from the global clerical sexual abuse scandal.
The election was decided by 133 cardinals — the largest and most internationally diverse conclave in history, with participants from five continents. Sworn to absolute secrecy under threat of excommunication, their only signal to the outside world came via the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.
Black smoke on Wednesday evening and again at midday Thursday had indicated inconclusive ballots. But shortly after 6pm local time, white smoke confirmed that a new pope had been chosen.
Although the exact number of ballots remains confidential, the process was concluded in less than two days — consistent with recent precedent. Pope Benedict XVI was elected in four rounds in 2005; Francis in five rounds in 2013.
To be elected, the new pope required a two-thirds majority vote. Following tradition, he would have entered the so-called Room of Tears to don the papal vestments for the first time and compose himself before returning to the chapel to receive the cardinals’ pledge of obedience.
He then emerged on the balcony, accompanied by a senior cardinal who proclaimed, “Habemus Papam” – “We have a pope” – followed by Pope Leo XIV’s first Urbi et Orbi (To the City and the World) blessing.
Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, dies aged 88
Challenges ahead
The election took place amid global instability — a factor believed to have weighed heavily on the electors’ minds, along with deep rifts within the Church itself.
While Francis was admired by many for his compassionate leadership, particularly his focus on migrants and environmental issues, he often drew criticism from conservative quarters who viewed him as doctrinally lax.
Though around 80 percent of the cardinal electors were appointed by Francis, their vote was by no means guaranteed to continue his legacy.
In choosing the next pope, the Church was faced with a pivotal decision: to elect a pastor or a diplomat, a liberal or a conservative, someone versed in the workings of the Curia or an outsider from a region where Catholicism is growing.
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Before the conclave began, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, urged his peers to select a candidate capable of safeguarding the unity of the Church during what he called a "difficult and complex turning point in history", referencing global conflicts and the rise of ultranationalism.
The Catholic Church also continues to struggle with modernisation, including dwindling priestly vocations and declining attendance in Western nations.
Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration is expected to take place within a week. During the ceremony, a grand Mass will be celebrated in St Peter’s Square, attended by religious and political leaders from around the world. He is also expected to greet the faithful aboard the popemobile before delivering a homily outlining the vision and priorities of his papacy.
