Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on Thursday emerged as the first pope from the United States of America, picking the papal name Leo XIV after cardinals from around the world elected him leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Tens of thousands of people gathered at St Peter’s Square and cheered as Prevost appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, waving with both hands, smiling and bowing.
The temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke Thursday evening, signaling that the 133 cardinals working inside had reached a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope for the Catholic Church.
The 69-year-old Chicago native becomes the 257th pontiff of the Catholic church and is seen as a diplomat in the church. He was confirmed by senior cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who came out onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to cheering crowds.
This is the first greeting of the risen Christ. May the peace be with you,” Leo said in Italian in his first remarks as pope. “This is the peace of the risen Christ.”
He then added: “Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, establishes dialogues.
“That’s always open to receive, on this piazza with open arms, to be able to receive everybody that needs our charity, our presence, dialogue, and love.”
The new pontiff was chosen on the second day of the conclave.
