Vatican City – The historic St Peter’s Square erupted with joy Thursday as the name “Leone! Leone! Leone!” echoed from thousands of pilgrims and faithful gathered to witness a moment that will define Catholic history for years to come. Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago had just been elected as the 268th pontiff, adopting the name Pope Leo XIV — and becoming the first North American pope in the history of the Catholic Church.
Just 90 minutes earlier, the iconic white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling that the conclave of cardinals had chosen a new spiritual leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
A Message of Peace
As the crowd waited with hushed anticipation, Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica. The square fell into a deep silence as he greeted the world with a powerful opening message.
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“Peace be upon you,” said Leo XIV, beginning his first blessing as pope. He then echoed a familiar sentiment voiced by his late predecessor Pope Francis:
“God loves us, God loves everyone, and evil will not prevail. We are in the hands of God.”
The emotional crowd included cardinals peeking from windows, journalists, tourists, clergy, and families who had traveled from across the world to witness the announcement.
Continuity and Change
Pope Leo XIV was elected on the second day of the conclave, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88. Analysts suggest Leo will continue Francis’s inclusive agenda while embracing traditional Church values.
In his address, Leo emphasized unity, dialogue, and peace, repeating “peace” several times, a nod to Jesus’ words after Easter.
“A disarmed peace and a disarming peace,” he said, urging the faithful to build bridges, not walls, and seek peace through conversation, not conflict.
Voices from the Square
The audience responded with enthusiastic shouts. “Bravo! That is what we need!” someone shouted from the square.
Kasper Mihalak, a 29-year-old from Denmark, stood amid the crowd, visibly emotional.
“I am really excited. Cardinal Prevost, now Leo XIV — it’s gonna be amazing! He said a lot about peace during his speech. I think the world now really needs it,” he told reporters.
osaria Venuto drove four hours from her small town in southern Italy with her two children. She could barely hold back her tears. “I am deeply moved to be here and be part of this historical event,” she said.
Photos from the square showed thousands packed together, waving flags, clapping, and looking up at the balcony, hoping for a glimpse of the new pope.
A Pope with Global Roots
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV spent over two decades in Peru, where he gained dual citizenship. His North American roots and strong ties to Latin America signal a more global vision for the Church.
Observers say his background may help him address the complex issues the Church faces, from declining attendance in the West to challenges around inclusivity, climate change, and social justice.
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