New Pope Leo XIV: Tens of Thousands Cheer as First American is Elected
Throngs of people cheer and rejoice, exclaiming "Long live the Pope!" as they enthusiastically honor their spiritual leader, attended by tens of thousands. - Throngs of people rejoice, weep and exclaim "Long live the Pope" - Tens of thousands commemorate Pope [Pope's Name]
Droves of people filling St. Peter's Square can barely contain their excitement as white smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 18:07, signaling the election of the Catholic Church's newest Pope.
Many faithful have been waiting on the square since morning, eager not to miss the crucial smoke signal after two previous black smoke signals on Wednesday evening and midday. As the sun sets and the crowd thickens, the anticipation builds.
The members of the crowd can barely believe their eyes as the dense white smoke clouds rise from the insignificant chimney. A brief moment of doubt lingers - is it black or truly white smoke? But then the crowd roars with relief and jubilation. The Catholic Church has a new leader.
Spontaneous speculation among the spectators
In the moment of uncertainty, spectators let their minds wander, buzzing with guesses about the identity of the churchman who will guide the 1.4 billion-member church. Meanwhile, hours pass, and the tension grows as the crowd waits for the Latin announcement and the unveiling of the new Pope's name.
Finally, the moment of truth arrives: the curtains of St. Peter's Basilica's balcony are drawn back, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti steps onto the stage, and delivers the long-awaited declaration, "Habemus Papam" (We have a Pope). With thunderous applause erupting from the crowd, Mamberti introduces the new Pope as none other than Robert Francis Prevost from the United States. The 69-year-old will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
People around the globe call their loved ones in various languages, expressing their emotion at witnessing this historic moment. An Italian woman exclaims down the phone to her husband, "It is a powerful sensation to see the white smoke live!" She uses the Italian word "bellissimo" to describe the event. Some are unsure where to find information on this new church leader, while others celebrate the appointment of the first American Pope in Church history.
Toasting the new leader with their national flags, spectators' cheers reach a fever pitch as Leo XIV addresses the crowd from the balcony, theounds of "Viva il Papa" echoing through the square. Spanish speakers among the onlookers are particularly ecstatic when the new Pope greets his Peruvian community in Spanish. Even the Romans are elated by the sight of their new bishop - for the Pope is the Bishop of Rome.
History in the Making
Pope Leo XIV's presidency represents the first time in two millennia that an American has become the head of the Catholic Church. Previously, he was a cardinal of the Vatican curia and oversaw the Dicastery for Bishops, which is responsible for selecting new bishops worldwide. Before his time in the Vatican, Prevost served as a missionary and bishop in Peru and was general prior of the Augustinian order. He is known as a mediator between reformers and traditionalists within the Church.
"Rome welcomes its new bishop, Pope Leo XIV, with warmth and emotion," Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, notes on the X platform. "His papacy promises to tackle the challenges of our time with courage and foresight, emphasizing dialogue, peace, and integration."
PopeSt. Peter's SquareSt. Peter's BasilicaVIVA MediaRobert Francis PrevostChimneyRomeWomanBishop
Enrichment Data:
- Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American to be elected as the head of the Catholic Church. He was born in Chicago in 1955 and holds dual citizenship of the United States and Peru. Prevost spent a significant part of his career inPeru, where he led missionary work and managed an Augustinian seminary. He was elevated to cardinal in 2023 by Pope Francis. Pope Leo XIV is recognized for his centrist views on social issues and conservative stance on the ordination of women as deacons[1][2].
- The election of Pope Leo XIV took place during the 2025 papal conclave, which concluded after a single day of voting. The event saw approximately 100,000 people gather on St. Peter's Square, including many American pilgrims[2]. The papal selection was marked by white smoke from the Sistine Chapel's chimney[1][2].
- In his first remarks as pope, Leo XIV called for peace and paid tribute to the late Pope Francis from St. Peter's Basilica's balcony[2]. He studied theology at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago and was ordained as a priest in 1982[1].
- Amidst the excitement of Pope Leo XIV's election, an Italian woman on the phone describes the event as "bellissimo" (beautiful), expressing the emotion shared by people worldwide.
- Hours after the white smoke signal, spectators are left speculating about the identity of the new Pope from the Catholic Church, eagerly awaiting the announcement of his name.
- As Pope Leo XIV speaks from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, he greets his Peruvian community in Spanish, bringing particular joy to Spanish speakers among the onlookers.
- Since his election, Pope Leo XIV has been known for his centrist views on social issues and conservative stance on the ordination of women as deacons, making him a unique and influential leader in the Catholic Church.
- Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, will face various challenges as the first American to lead the Catholic Church, with dialogue, peace, and integration being the themes emphasized by Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri.
