Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a distinguished American prelate, has officially been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, marking a historic milestone as the first-ever pontiff from the United States.
The announcement of his election came on Thursday evening following an expedited conclave that lasted under two days. The iconic white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel confirmed the Church’s choice to the world.
Emerging on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis II greeted an ecstatic crowd with the time-honored phrase, “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”), signaling the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic faithful.
As cheers erupted and flags waved across a packed St. Peter’s Square, Cardinal Prevost—now Pope Francis II—was introduced to the public amid an atmosphere of reverent excitement and celebration.
The 63-year-old cleric succeeds the late Pope Francis, who passed away last month after leading the global Catholic community for over a decade with humility and reformist zeal.
Born in Chicago and deeply rooted in both American and global pastoral traditions, Cardinal Prevost has long been recognized for his diplomatic acumen, compassionate leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Church’s global mission.
His election as pope is not only historic in nationality but also highly symbolic of the Church's evolving identity in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world.
The College of Cardinals convened in a rare and swift conclave, consisting of 133 cardinal-electors from across continents, who were tasked with selecting a shepherd capable of guiding the Church through current and future challenges.
These challenges include rising secularism, internal doctrinal tensions, and the broader need for spiritual renewal in an age of rapid technological and social change.
Pope Francis II is widely praised for his extensive experience in international affairs and interfaith dialogue—qualities that will be critical as he assumes leadership over a faith spanning more than a billion adherents.
In his first address, the new pontiff called for unity, healing, and a global reawakening of faith, urging Catholics around the world to embrace compassion, service, and reconciliation.
His message resonated across national and cultural boundaries, setting the tone for what many expect to be a transformative papacy.
The inauguration of Pope Francis II is scheduled to occur within the week, in a grand Mass attended by world leaders, dignitaries, religious representatives, and pilgrims from around the globe.
As anticipation builds, Catholics and non-Catholics alike look to Pope Francis II with hope that his leadership will usher in a period of renewal, stability, and progress for the Church in th
e 21st century.