Robert Francis Prevost announced as new pope as he makes first public appearance since being elected
In a surprising turn of events, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new Pope, taking the name **Leo XIV**. The first American pope, born in Chicago, Prevost was chosen after just one day of conclave proceedings in the Sistine Chapel. Moderately aligned with 21st-century Catholic values, he succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at age 88 due to a stroke-induced coma and heart failure. The College of Cardinals swiftly reached a two-thirds majority vote, bypassing other frontrunners like Cardinals Parolin, Erdö, and Tagle.
Following tradition, the 133 cardinals were secluded in the **Casa de Santa Marta**, cut off from outside influence—no phones or newspapers—until a decision was made. Typically, conclaves involve four daily votes, but this election concluded unusually fast. After accepting the role, Prevost was introduced with the proclamation **”Habemus papam”** (“We have a Pope”) from St. Peter’s Basilica’s balcony. The Vatican now enters a new era under its first U.S.-born pontiff.
