Robert Francis Prevost announced

The College of Cardinals has elected a new pope just one day after the conclave began at Rome’s Sistine Chapel. In an unexpected turn, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a moderate figure born in Chicago, has been chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. This makes him the first American pope. The decision follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, who passed away at 88 due to a cerebral stroke. After nine days of mourning, the cardinals gathered to vote, requiring a two-thirds majority to select the new pope.

During the conclave, the 133 cardinal electors, secluded from external influence in the Casa de Santa Marta, voted four times daily. This process traditionally continues until a consensus is reached. However, the election of Pope Leo XIV was unusually swift, finalized within just two days. After being chosen, the new pope must accept the role, at which point the declaration “Habemus papam” (“We have a Pope”) is made from the church balcony.