Context:

Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American to hold the papal office. The announcement came after the traditional white smoke was seen emanating from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the conclusion of the conclave's deliberations. The election took place after the cardinals convened for approximately 24 hours of discussions and voting. Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 following health complications. Thousands of the faithful gathered at St. Peter's Square to hear the announcement made by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti.

Dive Deeper:

• Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new pope, taking the name Leo XIV, and is notably the first American to become pope. This significant moment was marked by the traditional white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, indicating the successful conclusion of the papal election.

• The election process involved 133 cardinals who gathered in the Sistine Chapel, deliberating and voting over a 24-hour period to select the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

• Pope Leo XIV takes over from the late Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88 due to health-related issues, marking the end of his papacy and the beginning of a new era with an American pope.

• The announcement of Pope Leo XIV's election was made by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti to the thousands of people who had assembled in St. Peter's Square, eagerly awaiting the news of the new pope.

• Cardinal Robert Prevost, before his election as pope, served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and was among the cardinals elevated by Pope Francis in 2023, highlighting his significant role within the Vatican prior to becoming pope.