The New York Times
Live Updates: Robert Francis Prevost Is 1st American Pope
Cardinal Prevost was elected pontiff on the second day of the conclave, becoming leader of 1.4 billion Roman Catholics. He took the papal name Leo XIV, and greeted his new followers by saying, “Peace be with you.”
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Robert Francis Prevost has been announced as the new pope and has taken the name Leo XIV.
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May 8, 2025, 1:37 p.m. ET11 minutes ago
Jason HorowitzMotoko Rich and Elizabeth DiasReporting from Vatican City
Here’s the latest.
Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday and took the name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first pope from the United States and defying the conventional wisdom before the conclave that any American would be a long shot to become pontiff.
A puff of white smoke from a chimney above the Sistine Chapel signaled that the cardinals sequestered inside for two days had elected a new leader the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics. As pope, Leo XIV will confront difficult decisions about the church’s direction, chiefly whether to continue the agenda of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who championed greater inclusion and openness to change until his death last month, or forge a different path.
The cardinals reached their decision after being in conclave for a little more than 24 hours, and after several rounds of voting. The group of 133 cardinals, the most ever to gather in a conclave, included many who were appointed by Francis and some who did not know one another. That had made reaching a quick consensus a serious challenge, given the broad group of contenders and the splits among them about the future of the church.
Despite his American roots, Cardinal Prevost, a 69-year-old, Chicago-born polyglot, is viewed as a churchman who transcends borders. He served for two decades in Peru, where he became a bishop and a naturalized citizen, then rose to lead his international religious order. Until the death of Francis, he held one of the most influential Vatican posts, running the office that selects and manages bishops globally.
A member of the Order of St. Augustine, he resembles Francis in his commitment to the poor and migrants and to meeting people where they are. He told the Vatican’s official news website last year that “the bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom.”
He has spent much of his life outside the United States. Ordained in 1982 at age 27, he received a doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In Peru, he was a missionary, parish priest, teacher and bishop. As the Augustinians’ leader, he visited orders around the world, and speaks Spanish and Italian.
Often described as reserved and discreet, he would depart stylistically from Francis as pope. Supporters believe he will most likely continue the consultative process started by Francis to invite lay people to meet with bishops.
It is unclear whether he will be as open to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics as Francis was. Although he has not said much recently, in a 2012 address to bishops, he lamented that Western news media and popular culture fostered “sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the Gospel.” He cited the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.”
He, like many other cardinals, has drawn criticism over his dealings with priests accused of sexual abuse.
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Emma Bubola
May 8, 2025, 1:36 p.m. ET11 minutes ago
Emma BubolaReporting from Vatican City
The pope began his speech by talking about peace, and throughout the speech, he kept coming back to it.
Jason Horowitz
May 8, 2025, 1:35 p.m. ET13 minutes ago
Jason HorowitzReporting from Vatican City
Leo XIV, though born in the United States, spoke in Italian and Spanish, but not English.
Jason Horowitz
May 8, 2025, 1:34 p.m. ET13 minutes ago
Jason HorowitzReporting from Vatican City
He said he wanted a church “that was synodal,” that always sought to be “close to those who suffered.”
Emma Bubola
May 8, 2025, 1:32 p.m. ET15 minutes ago
Emma BubolaReporting from Vatican City
In his speech, the pope is putting great emphasis on the need to build bridges.
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Credit...Stoyan Nenov/Reuters
Jason Horowitz
May 8, 2025, 1:32 p.m. ET15 minutes ago
Jason HorowitzReporting from Vatican City
The new pope noted that he is an Augustinian and gave a special salute to the Roman church.
Emma Bubola
May 8, 2025, 1:31 p.m. ET17 minutes ago
Emma BubolaReporting from Vatican City
“Thanks to Pope Francis,” the pope said.
Jason Horowitz
May 8, 2025, 1:31 p.m. ET17 minutes ago
Jason HorowitzReporting from Vatican City
Pope Leo XIV said people needed “to be a single people,” always in peace. He added that Pope Francis’ weak voice in his last days still rang out to the world.
Jason Horowitz
May 8, 2025, 1:27 p.m. ET20 minutes ago
Jason HorowitzReporting from Vatican City
His first words: “Peace be with you.”
Jason Horowitz
May 8, 2025, 1:24 p.m. ET24 minutes ago
Jason HorowitzReporting from Vatican City
Pope Leo XIV has appeared on the balcony.
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Credit...Dylan Martinez/Reuters
Elisabetta Povoledo
May 8, 2025, 1:19 p.m. ET28 minutes ago
Elisabetta PovoledoReporting from Vatican City
The voting cardinals are out on the balconies of St. Peter’s Basilica, waiting for the new pope.
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Bernhard Warner
May 8, 2025, 1:18 p.m. ET29 minutes ago
Bernhard WarnerReporting from Vatican City
Chants of “Leone, Leone, Leone” ripple through the crowd. Others break out in a soccer-like shout, “Leo, Leo, Leo, Leeooo, Leooo.”
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Jason Horowitz
May 8, 2025, 1:16 p.m. ET31 minutes ago
Jason HorowitzReporting from Vatican City
Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago, will be the next pope and has taken the name Leo XIV.
Jason Horowitz
May 8, 2025, 1:14 p.m. ET33 minutes ago
Jason HorowitzReporting from Vatican City
The first American pope has been named.
Jason Horowitz
May 8, 2025, 1:13 p.m. ET34 minutes ago
Jason HorowitzReporting from Vatican City
Cardinal Dominique François Joseph Mamberti has come on the balcony to announce the pope.
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Bernhard Warner
May 8, 2025, 12:48 p.m. ET59 minutes ago
Bernhard WarnerReporting from Vatican City
An evening chill can be felt as the sun sets behind St. Peter’s Basilica. The throngs of priests, nuns and Vatican workers who’ve assembled on rooftops for a glimpse of history don’t seem to mind.
Patricia Mazzei
May 8, 2025, 12:47 p.m. ET1 hour ago
Patricia MazzeiReporting from Vatican City
What’s in a (pope’s) name?
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A cardinal, wearing a black robe and red cap, is seen from behind.
A cardinal making his way to the Vatican the day before the funeral of Pope Francis.Credit...James Hill for The New York Times
The new pope has an important decision to make after accepting the position: What will his name be? His choice will offer one of the first signals of the direction his pontificate might take.
There are no set rules, though popes tend to look to history and select a name with personal meaning. They often honor a saint or a past pope they admire, or pick a name that is important to their family.
Francis was the first pope to honor St. Francis of Assisi, whose devotion to humility and care for the poor became central tenets of his papacy. John Paul II picked his name as a tribute to his predecessor, John Paul I, who died after only 33 days in office.
The tradition of selecting a name dates to 533, when a priest named Mercurius — like the Roman god Mercury — was elected pope. Popes had previously been called by their given names, but Mercurius was most likely seen as too pagan, so he became John II.
Choosing the name of another pope could be a nod to that earlier pontiff’s priorities. For example, a John Paul III might focus on doctrinal discipline and social justice, while a Pius XIII might hew closer to tradition. A John XXIV would most likely be seen as a reformist.
The new pope’s name will be announced in Latin from the papal balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France, the senior cardinal deacon of the Roman Catholic Church, soon after he declares “Habemus papam,” or “We have a pope.”
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Elisabetta Povoledo
May 8, 2025, 12:47 p.m. ET1 hour ago
Elisabetta PovoledoReporting from Vatican City
Since 1900, this is the fifth pope to have been elected in two days.
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Emma Bubola
May 8, 2025, 12:39 p.m. ET1 hour ago
Emma BubolaReporting from Vatican City
Less than three weeks ago, Pope Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Now, his successor is set to be revealed on that same spot.
Emma Bubola
May 8, 2025, 12:38 p.m. ET1 hour ago
Emma BubolaReporting from Vatican City
The sun is shining from behind St Peter’s Basilica, and many members of the crowd are covering their eyes from the light to keep their focus on the balcony.
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Credit...Hannah Mackay/Reuters
Motoko Rich
May 8, 2025, 12:37 p.m. ET1 hour ago
Motoko RichReporting from Vatican City
The atmosphere in the square is like the moments before a pop star comes out to start the concert. A band is playing and everyone is watching themselves on the giant television screens, and cameras are ready for the moment the new pope comes out.
Patricia Mazzei
May 8, 2025, 12:36 p.m. ET1 hour ago
Patricia MazzeiReporting from Vatican City
The pope’s first words from the balcony will set expectations for his papacy.
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Pope Francis, flanked by two men wearing glasses, holding up his right hand.
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who took the name Pope Francis, spoke to an audience after being selected to lead the Catholic Church.Credit...Gregorio Borgia/Associated Press
The new pope’s first words as pontiff, uttered moments after his selection is announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, often set the tone, direction and priorities of his papacy.
The pope traditionally offers the crowd waiting in St. Peter’s Square a blessing known as “Urbi et Orbi,” or “to the city and to the world.” Before or after this blessing, the new pontiff usually offers a few additional remarks that indicate how he might steer the Roman Catholic Church.
In 2013, Francis delighted the faithful by greeting them in Italian with a casual “buonasera,” or “good evening.” He also asked the audience to “pray for me,” which became his signature to end almost all of his speeches, greetings and benedictions. And he led a prayer for his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who had retired.
In his first words, in 2005, Benedict had spread his arms wide and described himself as “a simple, humble worker in the Lord’s vineyard.” The remark was seen as a recognition that his predecessor’s consequential pontificate would be difficult to follow.
The new pope will be expected to speak in Italian, the language in which daily business is conducted at the Vatican. John Paul II, who was Polish, said in his first words, in 1978, that if he did not speak Italian well enough, the faithful should correct his mistakes — a line that quickly endeared him to the public.
New popes sometimes also offer a few words in private to cardinals before greeting the public. John Paul I, who died only 33 days after he was elected, famously told the cardinals, “May God forgive you for what you have done.”
Elisabetta Povoledo
May 8, 2025, 12:36 p.m. ET1 hour ago
Elisabetta PovoledoReporting from Vatican City
There is great anticipation, not only to know the name of the new pope, but also to hear his first public statements since being selected.
Elisabetta Povoledo
May 8, 2025, 12:33 p.m. ET1 hour ago
Elisabetta PovoledoReporting from Vatican City
Once again, the crowd is stretching from St. Peter’s Square to the Tiber River.
Emma Bubola
May 8, 2025, 12:30 p.m. ET1 hour ago
Emma BubolaReporting from Vatican City
Swiss guards are marching in St. Peter’s Square.
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Credit...Gabriel Bouys/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
Motoko Rich
May 8, 2025, 12:21 p.m. ET1 hour ago
Motoko RichReporting from Vatican City
You do not have to be Catholic to feel the emotion of the moment. Michelle Imhof, 26, who was in Rome from Germany for a vacation, was in the square when the smoke came out white. Behind sunglasses, she was crying as she filmed the bells chiming for a new pope. “I love this city, and I love the people here,” she said. “It is so special for them, and I am happy because they are happy.”
Emma Bubola
May 8, 2025, 12:19 p.m. ET1 hour ago
Emma BubolaReporting from Vatican City
Despite a larger group of voting cardinals, many of whom did not know each other, the vote did not take long, as some had anticipated.
Elisabetta Povoledo
May 8, 2025, 12:19 p.m. ET1 hour ago
Elisabetta PovoledoReporting from Vatican City
So many different flags being waved and flown in St. Peter’s Square, from so many continents. It really is a global church.
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0:41
CreditCredit...Vatican Media, via Associated Press
Bernhard Warner
May 8, 2025, 12:19 p.m. ET1 hour ago
Bernhard WarnerReporting from Vatican City
People are hurrying through side streets to get to St. Peter’s Square. The excitement is palpable.
Elisabetta Povoledo
May 8, 2025, 12:17 p.m. ET1 hour ago
Elisabetta PovoledoReporting from Vatican City
We have white smoke. When will we know who the next pope is?
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White robes on a hanger in a room with stone arches.
Papal garments in three sizes are prepared for the conclave because no one knows who — or how big — the new pope will be. Credit...The Vatican
Now that white smoke has finally billowed out of the chimney above the Sistine Chapel to signal that a new pope has been chosen, there will still be a short wait before the identity of the next pontiff becomes clear.
Based on what happened when Pope Francis was elected in 2013, it will probably take at least an hour before the designated cardinal appears on a balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to announce, in Latin, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam” — “I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope.”
The cardinal (for this conclave, it is Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France) will then announce the identity of the chosen pope and the name he will adopt as pontiff. Last time, Francis came out onto the balcony about 10 minutes after his identity was announced.
(Should Cardinal Mamberti be chosen as pope, the announcement will be made by Cardinal Mario Zenari of Italy.)
Inside the Apostolic Palace, which contains the Sistine Chapel, there will be a burst of activity in the meantime, as per rules set out in a 1996 Vatican document.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, in his role as master of papal liturgical celebrations, will draw up a document certifying that the elected cardinal has agreed to become bishop of the church of Rome, true pope and head of the College of Bishops. Should the new pope not be a bishop, he will immediately be ordained.
According to the rules, the voting cardinals then “approach the newly-elected Pope in the prescribed manner, in order to make an act of homage and obedience.”
The pope will next be taken to the Room of Tears, a small chamber just off the Sistine Chapel, where he will put on the white papal cassock for the first time. Garments in three sizes are prepared and kept in the room since no one knows who — or what size — the next pope will be. The shoes come in various sizes, too. (The Room of Tears acquired its name because of accounts of previous popes having become overwhelmed with emotion in the room after their election.)
It is only after the pope has donned the papal vestments that he will emerge on the balcony and greet the public for the first time.
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