For the first time in history, an American has been elected pope. A plume of white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday evening, signaling that the 133 cardinals in conclave had reached a two-thirds consensus. Soon after, Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago was introduced to the world as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th leader of the Catholic Church.
The 69-year-old is known within church circles as a skilled diplomat and peacemaker. Addressing the crowd from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo XIV began his papacy with a message of unity and resurrection: “This is the first greeting of the risen Christ. May the peace be with you.”
Reactions from Americans in Rome were emotional and immediate. Tourists and pilgrims waved U.S. flags and expressed disbelief and pride over the historic moment. “It’s surreal. It’s holy,” said Lisette Martinez, who rushed to St. Peter’s Square upon seeing the white smoke. “To be here for this moment is something I’ll be talking about for the rest of my life,” added another traveler, Jessica Wood.
The announcement reverberated back home. The Empire State Building lit up in gold and white in Leo XIV’s honor, while leaders including President Biden, former President Obama, and Vice President JD Vance publicly congratulated the new pope. “May God bless him,” Vance wrote. “Millions of American Catholics will be praying for his success.”
Image Credits: CNN
