Overview

• Cardinal Robert Prevost, a former missionary in Peru and head of the Dicastery for Bishops, was elected pope on May 8, 2025, making him the first U.S.-born pontiff in history.
• White smoke appeared above the Sistine Chapel at approximately 6:00 PM local time, confirming the successful conclusion of the conclave after two days and four rounds of voting.
• Pope Leo XIV, who succeeds Pope Francis, addressed the crowd with his first words, 'Peace be with you,' emphasizing themes of peace and dialogue in his leadership vision.
• Prevost’s papacy is expected to balance continuity with Francis's reformist legacy while addressing challenges such as church unity, declining engagement, and global crises.
• The inauguration ceremony, anticipated within the next week, will formally begin Pope Leo XIV’s tenure as the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.