(NewsNation) — Cardinals have selected Robert Prevost, who will take the name Leo XIV, as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church.
The naming of a new pope, signaled by white smoke flowing from a chimney at the Sistine Chapel, comes after two days of deliberation over who will lead the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church.
Church bells tolled and thousands in St. Peter’s Square cheered as the white smoke billowed out of the chimney as crowds awaited the arrival of the new Roman pontiff at the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica.
A group of 133 Cardinals made the decision during a conclave, a centuries-old papal selection process shrouded in mystery. This year’s conclave was the largest and most diverse in the history of the Catholic Church.
Many Cardinals who participated in the conclave were appointed by the late Pope Francis, who died the day after making an Easter Sunday appearance in St. Peter’s Square and calling for mercy on the “vulnerable, the marginalized, and migrants.”
It was a fitting final message from the ailing pontiff, who died from a stroke nearly a month after a lengthy hospital stay for pneumonia.
Francis, 88, was known for his humble way of living, progressive views and sincere care for humankind.
During his inaugural Mass on March 19, 2013, Francis emphasized the power of humility: “True power is service. The pope must serve all people, especially the poorest, the weakest, the smallest. Only in humility can we truly serve others.”
White smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel where 133 cardinals are gathering on the second day of the conclave to elect a successor to late Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025 (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) 
White smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) 
White smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) 
Cardinals attend the first day of the conclave to elect the successor of late Pope Francis inside the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. (Vatican Media via AP) 
Cardinals attend a final Mass St. Peter’s Basilica, before the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Francis used his 12-year pontificate to challenge the Catholic Church’s stances on climate change, the Big Bang theory, abortion and same-sex marriage, famously asking: “If a person is gay and seeks the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge him?”
Francis also spoke out against sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. He apologized to victims and implemented broader provisions for holding abusers accountable.
Above all, Francis prioritized service to society’s most vulnerable, meeting with immigrants, children and people with disabilities until his final days in the Vatican.
Reaction to first American pope pours out from US
President Trump on Thursday congratulated Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost after he was elected as the new pope, making him the first American to serve as the head of the Catholic Church.
“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,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “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!”
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker also offered his congratulations. “A historic moment as we witness the first American leading the Catholic Church. Hailing from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV ushers in a new chapter that I join those in our state welcoming in at a time when we need compassion, unity, and peace.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson tweeted, “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago! Congratulations to the first American Pope Leo XIV! We hope to welcome you back home soon.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams called it a great day for Catholics in the U.S. and across the world.
“With the selection of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the first American in history to serve as Pope, the Vatican has uplifted the voices of Catholics across the five boroughs and our entire country. New York City is a global city, bringing together Catholics from all around the world, and I know that given his international service across the globe, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will bring an inclusive perspective to the papacy.”