Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Becomes First American Pope

In a historic and unexpected decision, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The announcement was made on Thursday by French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who delivered the traditional Latin words “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”).

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been selected as the first American pope to lead the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church. He has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV.

Prevost appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica just over an hour after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that the 133 cardinal electors had reached a decision.

With this election, he becomes the 267th pontiff in the Church’s 2,000-year history marking a significant moment in both American and Catholic history.

Following the announcement, President of the United States Donald J. Trump shared his congratulations in a statement:

“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”