Chicago’s Robert Francis Prevast has made history as the first American pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
The 69-year-old was introduced as Pope Leo XIV by a senior cardinal from the balcony of St. Peter’s Cathedral on Thursday evening. This announcement coincided with white smoke billowing from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, sparking a jubilant celebration among the 50,000 pilgrims and tourists gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
During his initial speech, he called for unity and the pursuit of peace.
