Context:

Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the first American Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV, following a brief conclave by 133 cardinals. Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV spent two decades serving in Peru, where he became both a bishop and a naturalized citizen, before leading his international religious order. Prior to his election, he held a significant Vatican position overseeing the selection and management of bishops worldwide. His appointment marks a historic moment in the Roman Catholic Church as he succeeds the late Pope Francis. Pope Leo XIV addressed the crowd with a greeting of peace during his first public appearance as Pontiff.

Dive Deeper:

• Cardinal Robert Prevost's election as Pope marks the first time in history that an American has been chosen for the papacy, highlighting a significant shift within the Roman Catholic Church's leadership.

• The conclave, consisting of 133 cardinals, reached a decision relatively quickly, resulting in Prevost's appointment as the new Pope following the death of Pope Francis.

• Chicago-born Prevost served extensively in Peru, where he not only rose through the ecclesiastical ranks to become a bishop but also acquired Peruvian citizenship, showcasing his deep commitment to the region.

• Before becoming Pope, he held a powerful role within the Vatican, responsible for the global selection and management of bishops, which underscores his influence and expertise in church governance.

• Upon his election, Prevost chose the name Pope Leo XIV and addressed the public with a message of peace, indicating his intent to continue fostering unity and tranquility within the Church.

• The new Pope has been revealed!

• After a relatively short conclave, the 133 cardinals elected the successor of the late Pope Francis on Thursday (May 8).

• An hour after the smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, Cardinal Dominique François Joseph Mamberti came out on the balcony and announced that Cardinal Robert Prevost has been named the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the first American Pope!

• Keep reading to find out more…While sharing the exciting announcement, Cardinal Dominique revealed that the 69-year-old US-born Augustinian priest has taken the name of Pope Leo XIV.

• Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV served for two decades in Peru, where he became a bishop and a naturalized citizen, then rose to lead his international religious order. Until the death of Pope Francis last month, he held one of the most influential Vatican posts, running the office that selects and manages bishops globally.

• Watch a live stream from the Vatican…