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The Vatican has announced the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has held the position in the Catholic Church. The announcement came shortly after white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday.

Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti revealed the name of the new Pope to the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, following approximately 24 hours of deliberation by the 133 cardinals within the Sistine Chapel.

Prevost, 69, a member of the Augustinian order, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica wearing the traditional red papal cape, an article of clothing that Pope Francis had notably refrained from wearing after his election in 2013.

His initial words as Pope, delivered in Italian, were “Peace be with you.” He then addressed the faithful, calling for the construction of bridges, the pursuit of peace, and the promotion of dialogue “without fear.” Subsequently, Prevost transitioned to Spanish, reminiscing about his experiences as a missionary and later as Archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru. He did not speak in English.

Prevost succeeds Pope , who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after a period of declining health.

Prevost, whose views align closely with those of his predecessor, Francis, expressed gratitude towards him in his address.

In 2023, Francis appointed Prevost to a prominent Vatican role, tasking him with overseeing the office responsible for vetting bishop nominations worldwide, a crucial position within the Catholic Church. This appointment significantly raised Prevost’s profile leading up to the conclave.

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost also holds Peruvian citizenship, having spent many years in Peru as a missionary and later as an Archbishop.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977 before professing his solemn vows and pursuing theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago in 1982.

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