A new era begins: Pope Leo XIV is the first American pontiff

Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago as Robert Francis Prevost, has been elected as the first American pontiff to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

The 69-year-old was chosen on the second day of the papal conclave, after 133 cardinal electors reached the required two-thirds majority — at least 89 votes.

Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as one of the cardinals delivered the traditional “Habemus Papam," the traditional announcement to introduce the newly elected pontiff.

Moments later, Pope Leo XIV appeared at the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the faithful and deliver his first blessing.

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