North American cardinal Robert Prevost becomes pope Leo XIV
On Thursday, white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. The new pope is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from North America. He is 69 years old and has taken the name Leo XIV.
On Thursday, shortly after 5 PM Greenwich Mean Time, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, and bells rang throughout the Vatican. A record number of 133 cardinals from 71 countries made the selection during the fourth conclave vote.
On the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica facade, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti from France proclaimed the traditional "Habemus papam!" formula.
Who is the new Pope Leo XIV?
Robert Prevost, born in Chicago, is an Augustinian and a doctor of canon law. Since 2023, he has served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and the President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. His career includes many years in Peru, where he was, among other roles, the prefect at the religious seminary in Trujillo. From 2001 to 2013, he was the Prior General of the Augustinians. He received his episcopal consecration in 2014.
On 30 January 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, while simultaneously elevating him to the rank of archbishop. Then, on 9 July, Pope Francis elevated Robert Prevost to the dignity of cardinal deacon, and on 6 February 2025, to cardinal bishop.
Since October 2023, Cardinal Prevost has been a member of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and several dicasteries, including those for Evangelisation, the Doctrine of the Faith, Eastern Churches, Clergy, Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Culture and Education, and Pontifical Texts. He is seen as someone whom Pope Francis could endorse, continuing his work.
