American Robert Prevost elected Pope, takes the name Leo XIV

Punjab First News · 8 May 2025, 11:00 PM

Pope Leo XIV waving from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica — Pope Leo XIV waves to the crowd from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in his first appearance as pope (INFOWeather1 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

The Catholic Church has a new pope. On Thursday, May 8, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States was elected and took the name Leo XIV, becoming the first American pope in the Church's history.

After the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 133 cardinal electors gathered in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel. The two-day conclave chose the new pope on its fourth ballot.

Prevost, 69, is a Chicago-born Augustinian who spent many years in Peru. Before his election he headed the Vatican department that oversees bishops.

Speaking to tens of thousands of people from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the new pope called for peace and paid tribute to Pope Francis.

Four cardinals from India took part in the conclave. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed the good wishes of the people of India to Pope Leo XIV and said India remains committed to continued dialogue with the Holy See.