Cardinal Robert Prevost announced as first American pope, taking name Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

Prevost, 69, took the name Leo XIV.

The Vatican announced the election of Pope Leo XIV shortly after white smoke blew from the roof of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday.

Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced the pope’s election in St. Peter’s Square.

The 133 voting cardinals deliberated in the Sistine Chapel for roughly 24 hours as thousands of faithful waited in Vatican City.

“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus Papam!” or, “I announce a great joy: we have the Pope!” Mamberti announced as tens of thousands cheered.