Pope Leo XIV: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Becomes First American Pope in Historic Election

In a historic and unprecedented moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo the 14th. Born in Chicago and having spent more than two decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru, the 69-year-old becomes the first American-born pontiff in Church history. His election concludes a two-day papal conclave and is met with thunderous applause from thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, where the sight of white smoke signaled the Church’s decision.