White Smoke Signals New Pope: Robert Prevost Elected as Leo XIV

At approximately 6:09 p.m. local time in Rome, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling to the world that a new pope has been elected. French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, 73, a close confidant of the late Pope Francis, delivered the traditional declaration "Habemus Papam" from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American born in Chicago, has been elected as the new pontiff. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the 267th successor to Saint Peter.

As Cardinal Protodeacon—the highest-ranking member of the order of deacons—Mamberti held the duty of formally announcing the result of the conclave, which brought together 133 cardinal electors in the Sistine Chapel. After four rounds of voting, the conclave reached its decision.

Shortly after the announcement, Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square and around the world, delivering his first Urbi et Orbi blessing as the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church.