This story will be updated regularly as more information becomes available
The Catholic Church has a new pope: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., 69, of the United States has been elected by the College of Cardinal as the successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21 from stroke and heart failure after a lengthy illness.
At approximately 6:08 p.m. local time, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling to the world that a new pope had been chosen. A short time later, French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to announce the news: “Habemus Papam!”—“We have a pope!”
Prevost will be known as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the 267th pope in the history of the Catholic Church and the first pope from the United States. He was born in Chicago.
He previously served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, in which capacity he was known for his support for Pope Francis’ vision on such issues as immigration, the environment, and care for the poor.
Key facts:
- Name: Pope Leo XIV (born Robert Francis Prevost)
- Age: 69
- Nationality: American (naturalized citizen of Peru)
- Previous role: prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America
Keep checking U.S. Catholic for more in-depth analysis and reflections on what this papacy could mean for the future of the church. In the meantime, check out some of our other content on choosing a new pope and Pope Francis’ legacy.
For more on a papacy in transition:
How Pope Francis changed the church
Pope Francis’ legacy is less about increased church attendance and more about his shift from a focus on doctrinal purity to the practice of Catholic social teaching.
What is the College of Cardinals?
From the Latin term collegium, the College of Cardinals is a collection of peers selected from among the world’s bishops.
What is the origin of the papal smoke?
The smoke announcing the election of a new pope is not actually as old as Catholics might think.
How is a pope chosen?
As recent cinematic releases attest, no voting within the Catholic Church draws the world’s attention quite like the election of a pope.
Image: Unsplash/Jacob Fryer
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