Robert Francis Prevost of the United States is the new Pope

The new Pope has been revealed as Robert Francis Prevost of the United States. Cardinal Prevost was elected in a surprise choice to be the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday. He has taken the name Leo XIV, becoming the first U.S. pontiff in history.

Pope Leo appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica after white smoke billowed from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signifying that the 133 cardinal electors had chosen a new leader for the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church.

"Peace be with you all," the new Pope told the cheering crowd, speaking in fluent Italian. He also spoke in Spanish during his brief address but did not say anything in English.

Aged 69 and originally from Chicago, Prevost has spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru and became a cardinal only in 2023. He has given few media interviews and rarely speaks in public.

U.S. President Donald Trump swiftly congratulated Prevost on becoming the first U.S. Pope. "What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"

Prevost becomes the 267th Catholic Pope, following the death last month of Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope, who led the Church for 12 years and was widely known for opening the staid institution to the modern world.

Francis enacted a range of reforms and allowed debate on divisive issues such as women's ordination and the greater inclusion of LGBT Catholics.

In his speech, Leo thanked Francis and echoed his predecessor's call for a Church that is engaged with the modern world and "is always looking for peace, charity, and being close to people, especially those who are suffering."

Ahead of the conclave, some cardinals called for continuity with Francis' vision of greater openness and reform, while others favored a return to older traditions.

Unlike Francis, who spurned much of the trappings of the papacy, Prevost wore a traditional red papal garment over his white cassock.

The last Pope to take the name Leo led the Church from 1878 to 1903. He was known for his deep focus on social justice and is often credited with laying the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.

Prevost has attracted interest from his peers for his quiet style and support for Francis, particularly his commitment to social justice issues.

He served as bishop in Chiclayo, in northwestern Peru, from 2015 to 2023. Francis brought him to Rome that year to head the Vatican office responsible for selecting bishops across the globe—meaning Prevost has played a role in shaping much of the Church’s leadership.

At a 2023 Vatican press conference, Prevost said: "Our work is to enlarge the tent and to let everyone know they are welcome inside the Church."