Thousands of Christians cheered and cried as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling a new Pope was chosen on Thursday, May 8.
The new Pope is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, from Chicago, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV. He is 69 years old.
The new Pope appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Thursday afternoon. He became emotional as he waved to thousands of cheering people below.
NOW – Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope in history, emerges. pic.twitter.com/rcLd1gRkQA
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) May 8, 2025
The Vatican wrote in a post on X:
“I announce to you a great joy;
we have a Pope:
The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord,
Lord Robert Francis
Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost
who has taken the name Leo XIV.”
President Donald Trump wrote a congratulatory message to the first American Pope on his Truth Social app.
“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. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country,” Trump wrote. “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment.”
