American Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected First US Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has become pope in the Catholic Church's 2,000-year history. The election was announced following the traditional white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the conclusion of the conclave that saw over 130 cardinals from around the world participate in a secretive voting process. Pope Leo XIV, 69, has a distinguished background including missionary work in Peru, leadership of the Vatican's office responsible for vetting bishops, and an academic record featuring degrees in mathematics and canon law. His election was met with widespread attention as he appears on the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica in the traditional papal red cape, a symbol Pope Francis had notably avoided. The new pope follows Pope Francis as the 267th pontiff and has pledged to build bridges and promote dialogue within the Church and beyond. His multicultural heritage and extensive pastoral and judicial experience position him uniquely as he assumes leadership of the global Catholic community.