On Thursday, May 8th 6 p.m., white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel: a new pope has been elected. From the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced: “Habemus papam.” The American cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, aged 69, has been chosen as the new head of the Catholic Church. He succeeds Pope Francis and takes the name Leo XIV, becoming the 267th pope.

Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago on September 14, 1955, to a French father and an Italian mother. After studying mathematics, he joined the Order of Saint Augustine and became a priest in 1982. He was then sent on a mission to Peru. After a stay in Chicago to earn a doctorate in canon law, he returned to Peru to lead a seminary for ten years. In 1999, he was elected worldwide head of his order, a position he held until 2013.

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. In 2023, he became Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, which oversees the appointment of bishops in many parts of the world. He was also made a cardinal that same year.

Close to Pope Francis, Leo XIV is seen as a discreet, moderate, and experienced man. He is respected in the Vatican for his ability to foster dialogue and unite different perspectives. He speaks several languages: English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese. At 69, he is the youngest pope elected since John Paul II.

In his first public appearance, Leo XIV greeted the crowd by saying: “Peace be with you all.” He stated that “evil will not prevail” and called on the Church to build bridges through dialogue. He also thanked Pope Francis and the cardinals for their trust.

International Reactions

His election sparked a wave of international reactions:

- United States: Donald Trump said he was honored and eager to meet him.

- Italy: Giorgia Meloni praised a strong call for peace and brotherhood.

- Spain, France, Germany: Leaders expressed hope that he will defend human rights, peace, and hope.

- Ukraine: Zelensky thanked the Vatican for its support against Russian aggression.

- Russia: Putin expressed his wish for the continuation of a constructive dialogue based on Christian values.

- Poland, Hungary, United Kingdom: Messages of joy and strengthened spiritual ties.

- Latin America: Peru welcomed this "adopted Peruvian," while Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil hope he will support peace, migrants, and humanist values.

- Middle East: Lebanon hopes for strengthened interreligious dialogue.

- European Union and UN: Calls to continue the commitment to peace, solidarity, and social justice.

- South Africa: A tribute to the peaceful message of Leo XIV and the legacy of Pope Francis.

His election is widely hailed as a hopeful event in a world seeking peace and unity.

Pope Leo XIV will celebrate a Mass with the cardinals this Friday at 11:00 AM (09:00 GMT) in the Sistine Chapel, the day after his election as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, the Vatican announced.

The new pope will also lead the Regina Coeli prayer on Sunday at 12:00 PM (10:00 GMT) from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and will meet with journalists on Monday morning at the Vatican, said Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office.