Thousands of faithful packed into St Peter’s Square erupted into cheers on Thursday evening as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signalling the election of the new pope.
Just over an hour later, the world was introduced to Pope Leo XIV — formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost — the first American in history to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
The 69-year-old Chicago-born cleric appeared on the Loggia of Blessings to deliver his first address as the 267th pontiff, greeting the jubilant crowd with: “Peace be with you all.”
In a brief yet powerful address delivered in Italian and Spanish, Pope Leo paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday.
“We still keep in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome… God loves us. God loves you all and evil will not prevail,” he proclaimed.
Prevost, who holds dual American and Peruvian citizenship, is known as a moderate voice in the Church and spent decades as a missionary and later archbishop in Peru. He was appointed a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 and held a key Vatican post overseeing bishop appointments globally — a role that positioned him as a likely successor despite historical resistance to an American pope.
The surprise announcement sparked emotional scenes across Rome.
“It’s surreal. It was apocalyptic. Everyone just started running as soon as the news came out. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Faith Gibson, an American living in Rome, said.
The election followed a two-day conclave involving 133 cardinals, with only those under the age of 80 eligible to vote. To be chosen, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority plus one. Australia’s sole participating cardinal was Ukrainian-born Bishop Mykola Bychok of Melbourne.
Reaction to the historic announcement has been swift. United States President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, stating: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope… What excitement, and what a Great Honour for our Country.” He also confirmed that contact had already been made regarding a potential meeting with the new pope.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also extended his congratulations, saying: “Your leadership comes at a time when the world faces profound challenges but also great opportunities for unity, compassion, and dialogue among peoples and faith.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sent his “heartfelt congratulations” on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“This is a moment of joy and hope for Catholics all over the world. May God bless Pope Leo XIV and may his papacy advance the cause of peace and justice, in the service of all humanity,” Albanese wrote.
Prevost inherits a Church still undergoing transformation under Pope Francis’s legacy — one marked by emphasis on social justice, outreach to marginalised communities, and advocacy on global issues such as climate change and migration. Many now look to Pope Leo XIV to continue steering the Church toward openness and compassion, just as his predecessor intended.
Source: ABC News
