ALBAWABA- In a historic development for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected the new Pope, taking the papal name Leo XIV.
The decision was announced after the traditional white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the 133 cardinals gathered in conclave had reached a consensus on the next leader of the global Church.
Pope Leo XIV, originally from Chicago, is a member of the Augustinian order and has most recently served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in the Vatican.
Known for his deep pastoral experience in Latin America, strong administrative skills, and moderate theological views, Leo XIV is expected to balance reform with tradition.
A forthcoming Vatican biography highlights his years as a missionary in Peru, his advocacy for social justice, and his focus on rebuilding trust within the Church hierarchy. His election also marks a symbolic shift, as he becomes the first American to hold the papacy in the Church's 2,000-year history.
The conclave followed the death of Pope Benedict XVII, who passed away last month at the age of 92. Benedict XVII, born in Spain as Cardinal Luis Martínez, led the Church during a turbulent decade marked by internal reform, geopolitical engagement, and efforts to address historical abuses.
Though his papacy was relatively short, he is remembered for his emphasis on spiritual renewal and strengthening the Vatican’s diplomatic role.
