Bells tolled as the white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, where thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and chanted, “Long live the pope!”
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced American Robert Prevost—who took the papal name Leo XIV—as pope on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening, about an hour after white smoke billowed.
When Leo XIV came out on the balcony to address the world for the first time as pope, he said, “peace be with you all,” and called for people to go forward “without fear,” saying: “God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail,” according to a translation from the Vatica
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Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, who is 91 and above the age cutoff of 80 to participate in the conclave, previously told Italian news outlets he had hoped to see white smoke by Thursday evening.
Prevost, 69, becomes the first American-born Pope in the Church’s two-thousand-year history, marking a significant moment for Catholics in the United States and around the world.
He succeeds Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Order of St. Augustine and is widely respected for his quiet but firm leadership style, deep theological grounding and global pastoral experience.
In 2023, Prevost was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the selection and supervision of bishops around the world.
World leaders welcome new Pope
President Donald Trump weighed in on the selection, posting his congratulations to Leo XIV on Truth Social, adding: “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Become ‘leader for migrants’: Colombia
“I hope he becomes a great leader for migrant peoples around the world, and I hope he encourages our Latin American migrant brothers and sisters, humiliated today in the United States. It’s time for them to organize,” said Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
Stronger Vatican ties: Israel
“We look forward to enhancing the relationship between Israel and the Holy See, and strengthening the friendship between Jews and Christians in the Holy Land and around the world. May your papacy be one of building bridges and understanding between all faiths and peoples,” said Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
‘Christian values unite us ‘: Putin
“I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
‘Hope and guidance’: Germany
“Through your role, you provide hope and guidance to millions of believers around the world in these challenging times,” said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Strengthen ‘human rights’: Spain
“May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights in a world that needs hope and unity,” said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Reinforce ‘unique bonds’: Poland
“Please accept the assurance of the readiness of the Republic of Poland to further strengthen these unique bonds — in the name of shared values, responsibility for the common good and the strengthening of peace in the world,” said Polish President Andrzej Duda, a conservative Catholic.
‘Commitment to peace’: EU
“We wish that his pontificate be guided by wisdom and strength, as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue,” said European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.
Vice President JD Vance congratulated Leo XIV in a post on X, saying: “I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!”
Former President Joe Biden also sent well wishes, saying on X: “May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois. Jill and I congratulate him and wish him success.”
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama said on X they were sending “congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan,” and added: “This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith.”
