Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected the 267th pope, becoming the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
The conclave of over 130 cardinals reached its decision on May 8, on the second day of voting in the Sistine Chapel. Prevost appeared on St. Peter’s Basilica balcony to greet jubilant crowds in St. Peter’s Square after his election.
Prevost succeeds Pope Francis, who died April 21 at age 88. By tradition, a conclave begins 15–20 days after a pontiff’s death; this one opened May 7.
Each day features four ballot rounds, with smoke signals—black if inconclusive, white upon election—rising from the chapel chimney.
Pope Francis was elected in a similarly two-day conclave in 2013 after Benedict XVI’s resignation.
In a film on his decades in power, Francis famously urged humility and dialogue; Prevost, known for his pastoral work in the Philippines and leadership roles in Rome, faces global challenges from secularism to social justice.
His election marks a historic first for the American Church and signals a new chapter in Catholic leadership.
