American Cardinal Elected Pope Leo XIV

On 8th May 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first American to hold the position, following two days of conclave deliberations in Vatican City.

Cardinal Prevost, aged 69, was chosen by at least 89 of the 133 voting members of the College of Cardinals, securing a clear majority needed to become pope.
His election was announced by the traditional white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney and the ringing of bells from St Peter’s Basilica, witnessed by thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square.
Upon his election, the newly elected pope appeared on the Sistine Chapel balcony and addressed the crowd in Italian, calling for unity, peace, and trust in God.
He chose the name Pope Leo XIV in honour of the papal lineage and pledged to continue the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Despite longstanding Vatican hesitations about electing an American pope due to concerns over U.S. global influence and secularism, Prevost’s leadership experience and international service made him a favoured candidate.