Vatican City, May 8 — In a historic development, the Vatican has elected a new pope on the second day of the Papal Conclave. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, has been chosen as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the first cardinal from the United States to ascend to the papacy and will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
Prevost secured his election with a two-thirds majority—89 out of 133 votes cast by the College of Cardinals. This marks only the fifth time since 1900 that a pope has been elected within just two days of voting.
White smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday signaled the successful election, prompting cheers and applause from more than 45,000 gathered faithful in St. Peter’s Square. Notably, no previous pope had been elected on May 7, making this date significant in church history.
The conclave began with a solemn procession into the Sistine Chapel and an oath of secrecy by each cardinal. The first vote took place around 9:15 PM on Wednesday.
Pope Leo XIV’s First Words: “May Peace Be in the Hearts of All”
In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV spoke in Spanish, appealing for compassion, unity, and faith.
“I want to thank all the cardinals who have entrusted me with this sacred responsibility,” he said. “I will strive to walk with men and women who carry the message of Jesus with courage and remain faithful in mission and spirit. Let love and peace reign in every heart.”