The Vatican has officially announced the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the College of Cardinals convened in a conclave that concluded on May 8, 2025, with the election of the new pontiff.Breitbart
Cardinal Prevost, 69, from the United States, has chosen the papal name Pope Leo XIV. His election was confirmed when white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the conclave’s decision. The announcement was met with applause from onlookers in St. Peter’s Square, and church bells tolled to mark the occasion.AP News
The conclave, held under the iconic ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, was conducted in strict secrecy. Cardinals were prohibited from using mobile phones, letters, or newspapers, and were confined to St. Martha’s House for rest and meals.Voting sessions took place up to four times a day, with a two-thirds majority required to elect a new pope.
Cardinal Prevost’s election marks a significant moment in the Church’s history, as he becomes the first American pope and the first to take the name Leo since the 19th century. His selection reflects the global nature of the Catholic Church and the diverse backgrounds of its leadership.
The Vatican has not yet announced the date for the inauguration ceremony, but preparations are underway to formally install Pope Leo XIV as the new leader of the Catholic Church.
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