First American pope: Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been named the next pope, becoming the first American pontiff in history. He’ll be known as Pope Leo XIV. In his first words as pope from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he called for peace and paid honor to the late Pope Francis in front of a thunderous audience.
About the new Pope: Prevost, 69, is a Chicago-based executive with international expertise. He spent the majority of his career as a missionary in South America, eventually becoming bishop of Peru. He most recently oversaw a major Vatican ministry responsible for bishop appointments. He is expected to build upon Pope Francis’ reforms.
• What it took to be elected: There were 133 voting cardinals, and any of them needed two-thirds of the vote to become the next pope. White smoke billowed above the Sistine Chapel earlier Wednesday afternoon, heralding the election of a new pope. Look at how the voting process works.
Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago became Pope Leo XIV.
Prevost will be the 14th papal Leo. Throughout history, John has been the most popular name.
Leo is now tied with Clement as the fourth most popular name for popes. Only John, Gregory, and Benedict have achieved greater popularity.
But there hasn’t been a Pope Leo in over a century.
The last Pope Leo was Leo XIII, born in French-occupied Rome in 1810. He was pope from 1878 until his death in 1903, making his 25-year tenure the fourth longest in church history.
Leo XIII is remembered as a pope who promoted Catholic social teachings. He penned a renowned open letter in 1891, focusing on the technological advancements brought about by the Industrial Revolution and their impact on workers.
Leo XIV’s decision to resurrect the name may reveal his papal goals.
The first Pope Leo, who ruled in the fifth century, is known as “Leo the Great,” and is credited with convincing Attila the Hun to cease his invasion and spare the Roman Empire from annihilation.
Their meeting was depicted in a picture by Raphael, which is currently on display in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. The 133 voting cardinals, including Robert Prevost, now Leo XIV, passed past the Apostolic Palace on Wednesday as they entered the Sistine Chapel for the opening of the conclave.
The name Leo is derived from the Latin for “lion,” which implies strength and courage.
In his address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo XIV stated that the church still hears “the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis,” his predecessor.
