Cardinal Robert Prevost Emerges 1st American Pope
He is the Catholic Church’s 267th leader
The Temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke on Thursday, signaling that the 133 cardinals working inside had reached a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope for the Catholic Church.
American Cardinal Robert Prevost was announced as the choice to replace Pope Francis.
Bells at St. Peter’s Basilica rang and crowds cheered as the white smoke billowed from the chimney.
The new leader of the Catholic Church was chosen amid the third round of conclave voting.
New Pope’s Message Of Peace And Unity
In his first comments in Italian, Pope Leo XIV says he wants this message of peace to “enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are.”Paying tribute to Pope Francis, he urges faithful to “move forward, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other.”He also thanks fellow cardinals for choosing him for the role.
Prevost Profile Before The Conclave:
Despite the Vatican’s longstanding opposition to the idea of a Pope from the United States (US) because of the country’s superpower status and secular global influence, the moderate, Chicago-born Prevost still emerged as one to watch at the Conclave
Created a Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, the former leader of the Augustinian order was also appointed by the late Pope to the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, which oversees the selection of new bishops from around the world.
