Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected the 267th pope in Catholic Church history, becoming the first American to hold the role. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
Prevost was chosen as the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at age 88. The conclave of more than 130 cardinals reached their decision on the second day of voting.
The papal conclave began on May 7 inside the Sistine Chapel. Per tradition, cardinals vote up to four times daily, with smoke signals—black for no decision, white for a new pope—emerging from the chapel chimney.
Pope Leo XIV is the first new pope since 2013, when Pope Francis was elected after Pope Benedict XVI resigned. His election marks a historic moment for the U.S. Catholic community and the Church worldwide.
