“Peace be with you all” — with these five powerful words, Pope Leo XIV made history on Thursday evening as he emerged onto the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica following his election as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
The man behind the papal name is Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old American prelate and former missionary, who becomes the first-ever American to be elected Pope.
Second Day of Conclave Brings White Smoke
The announcement came after just two days of deliberations within the Sistine Chapel, culminating in white smoke billowing from the chimney — the traditional sign that a new pontiff has been chosen. Crowds erupted into cheers, waving American flags and chanting as the news spread around the globe.
A Global and Multilingual Message
Speaking first in Italian and then Spanish, Pope Leo XIV addressed the tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square with a call for unity and compassion:
“We have to seek together to be a missionary Church — a Church that builds bridges and dialogue.”
He reflected on his years of service in Chiclayo, Peru, where he was a beloved bishop and missionary.
In the Spirit of Francis
Pope Leo XIV is widely seen as a moderate reformer, echoing the tone and teachings of his predecessor Pope Francis, whom he publicly thanked during his first address. He urged Catholics around the world to “show our charity to others and be in dialogue with love.”
World Reactions Begin
Among the first to respond was US President Donald Trump, who posted on Truth Social:
“Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV. I look forward to meeting him soon.”
What’s Next for the Papacy?
As Pope Leo XIV assumes the mantle of spiritual leadership for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, the global Church — and world leaders — will be closely watching the tone and direction of his first days in office.
