Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the first North American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. At 69 years old, Prevost, who has dedicated much of his career to ministering in Peru, will now lead the global Catholic community under the papal name Leo XIV.
The announcement of Prevost's election was marked by the traditional sign of white smoke emerging from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:07 p.m. local time on Thursday. This signal indicates that a new pontiff has been chosen following the conclave of cardinals.
In addition to his groundbreaking election, Prevost is recognized for his role as the head of the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, a significant position that underscores his influence within the Church. His leadership will be closely observed as he navigates the complexities of the papacy in the contemporary religious landscape.
