Cardinal Robert Prevost was unveiled Thursday evening as the 267th pope, becoming the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church in its two-millennia history.
Stepping onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica just after 5 p.m. UK time, the new pontiff was greeted by a sea of cheering faithful in St. Peter’s Square, moments after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling his election.
The announcement of “Habemus Papam” Latin for “We have a Pope” was followed by the appearance of Prevost, marking the end of a swift conclave that lasted just under 24 hours.
Prevost now assumes leadership of the Vatican and spiritual authority over more than 1.4 billion Catholics around the world. He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away 17 days earlier and whose legacy as a reformer and advocate for the poor reshaped the global image of the Church.
Francis, widely known as “the people’s pope,” was mourned by hundreds of thousands, including world leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. His funeral last month drew one of the largest global gatherings in Vatican history.
Prevost’s election came after 133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday afternoon. In keeping with centuries-old tradition, the electors all under the age of 80 cast anonymous ballots during a series of secret votes. All communication with the outside world was cut off during the conclave.
Before voting began, the cardinals attended a special Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica where they were reminded of the “exceptional importance” of their decision. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re urged them to choose a leader who could “awaken the consciences of all and the moral and spiritual energies in today’s society,” which he said is often consumed by technological progress and forgetfulness of God.
Pope Francis had appointed 108 of the 133 cardinals eligible to vote, making this conclave among the most diverse in Church history. Electors hailed from more than 70 countries, including first-time representatives from nations like Mongolia, Sweden, and Tonga.
After accepting the role in a private moment within the Sistine Chapel, Prevost would have entered the Room of Tears, where newly elected popes traditionally don their papal robes. Moments later, he emerged before the world as the new spiritual leader of Catholicism.
The election closes a chapter on one of the most consequential papacies in recent history and begins a new era for the Church under a leader from a nation that has never held the papal throne until now.