Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new Pope, taking over from the late Pope Francis, and marking a significant moment as he becomes the first American to hold this position.
After white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel—a clear sign of his election—Prevost appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Square, introducing himself to the crowd within just an hour.
His election is historic, as it defies traditional expectations, especially given that many viewed him as an unlikely candidate.
At 69, Prevost hails from Chicago but has primarily served in Peru. He’s an Augustinian monk who graduated from Villanova University in 1977.
In 2023, he was appointed as Dicaster’s governor for the bishop of Latin America, and also serves as president of the Latin American Commission, a role that involves nominating bishops for the Pope and overseeing a committee focused on the Catholic Church’s presence in Latin America.
Prior to his balcony introduction, crowds of enthusiastic spectators from all over the world gathered in the square, as Swiss security personnel lined the area. Cardinal Dominique Manberti was the first to announce the new Pope to the eager audience.
