New Pope Chosen as Cardinals Reach Consensus in Vatican Conclave [WATCH]

Cardinal Robert Prevost, a native of Chicago, Illinois, has been elected as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first American-born pontiff in history, as reported by the New York Post.

He will take the name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement was made official Thursday afternoon when white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling a successful conclusion to the papal conclave.

Prevost succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 due to complications from a respiratory illness.

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Francis, the first Latin American pope and the first non-European pope since 741, served for over a decade and appointed the majority of the cardinals eligible to vote in the conclave.

The conclave, which began earlier this week, included 133 voting cardinals. According to Vatican tradition, a two-thirds majority was required to elect the new pope.

Despite a broad field of speculation leading up to the vote, the large number of newly appointed cardinals under Francis made predictions difficult.

Cardinal Prevost, who had previously served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and held various pastoral and administrative positions both in the U.S. and abroad, was considered a steady but quiet presence in the Vatican.

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His election reflects both the global expansion of the Church and the growing influence of American clergy within the hierarchy.

Other top contenders had included Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, widely known as a skilled diplomat but criticized by some for being too focused on bureaucracy.

Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, seen as a progressive figure in line with many of Francis’ policies, was also a favorite.

Additionally, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo from the Democratic Republic of Congo was seen as a strong conservative voice who would have continued the tradition of elevating leaders from underrepresented regions of the Church.

Pope Leo XIV becomes the 267th pope in Catholic history. His election marks a significant moment not just for the Church in America, but for Catholics worldwide.

His leadership is expected to face major global challenges, including declining attendance in the West, rising influence in the Global South, and ongoing doctrinal tensions between conservative and progressive factions within the Church.

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