Robert Francis Prevost has been announced as the new pope, taking the name Leo XIV. This makes makes him the first American head of the Catholic Church.
On May 8, or early May 9 in Philippine Standard Time, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. This signaled that the 133 cardinals gathered in the Vatican City had elected a new Pope, ending a two-day papal conclave.
Cheers erupted across St. Peter’s Square as thousands of devotees and onlookers celebrated the historic announcement. All the bells of Rome rang out triumphantly as the square transformed into a sea of waving flags, joyful tears, and heartfelt prayers.
This year’s conclave followed the pattern of recent papal elections, concluding within several days. The 2013 conclave, which elected the late Pope Francis, lasted just two days and five ballots. Similarly, the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI also concluded in two days with four ballots.
