Papal conclave live updates: Cardinal Robert Prevost becomes 1st American pope
The temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke on Thursday, signaling that the 133 cardinals working inside had reached a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope for the Catholic Church.
American cardinal Robert Prevost was announced as the choice to replace Pope Francis.
Bells at St. Peter's Basilica rang and crowds cheered as the white smoke billowed from the chimney.
The new leader of the Catholic Church was chosen amid the third round of conclave voting.
Latest Developments
May 8, 2:53 PM
Trump touts 'great honor' of having American pope, claims having contact with Vatican
President Donald Trump made a surprise appearance outside the White House Thursday afternoon and was asked for his reaction to the first American being selected as pope.
"It’s such a great honor for our country to have an American pope, and what greater honor could there be?" he said. "We're a little bit surprised but very happy."
Trump added that he plans to meet with Pope Leo XIV, saying, "They have already spoken to us. We'll see what happens."
"But again, to have the pope from the United States of America -- that's a great honor," he said.
May 8, 2:39 PM
Zelenskyy, Putin congratulate Pope Leo
Amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on social media, "Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex on his election to the See of Saint Peter and the beginning of his pontificate."
"Ukraine deeply values the Holy See’s consistent position in upholding international law, condemning the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians," Zelenskyy said. "At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace. I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration, and strength -- both spiritual and physical -- in carrying out his noble mission."
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message to Pope Leo, "Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your election as Pope. I am confident that the constructive dialog and interaction established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us. I wish you, Your Holiness, success in fulfilling the high mission entrusted to you, as well as good health and well-being."
May 8, 2:39 PM
Israeli president congratulates Pope Leo
Israeli President Isaac Herzog congratulated the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, saying he sends the new Pope his “warmest wishes from the Holy City of Jerusalem,” in a post on X.
“We look forward to enhancing the relationship between Israel and the Holy See, and strengthening the friendship between Jews and Christians in the Holy Land and around the world,” Herzog said.
Herzog added: “May your papacy be one of building bridges and understanding between all faiths and peoples. May we see the immediate and safe return of the hostages in Gaza, and a new era of peace in our region and around the world.”
-ABC News Jordana Miller
May 8, 2:25 PM
What to know about the 1st American pope
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has become the first-ever American elected as the leader of the Catholic Church -- now known by his pontifical name of Pope Leo XIV.
The 69-year-old, born on the Southside of Chicago, is seen as a diplomat of the church and was an important adviser to his predecessor, Pope Francis.
He became a front-runner to the papacy in the days before the conclave began, said Rev. James Martin, a papal contributor to ABC News.
Leo emerged from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening to throngs of cheering crowds, following the signal of white smoke that emanated from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel.
Leo is the fifth-most-popular name chosen by popes. Pope Leo XIV's full authority and jurisdiction begins immediately upon his acceptance of the office.
Read here for more about Pope Leo XIV.
May 8, 2:05 PM
Pope Leo XIV is a ‘very down-to-earth person’
The Rev. James Martin, a papal contributor to ABC, said he knows Pope Leo XIV, previously Cardinal Robert Prevost, describing him as “very-down-to-earth.”
Martin told ABC News the new pontiff is a “very kind person, very reserved.”
Martin previously said days before the conclave’s start that the American cardinal was a front-runner for the papacy.
May 8, 1:54 PM
Pope Leo XIV addresses crowd for first time as pontiff
Pope Leo XIV, American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has addressed thousands of people gathered in Vatican Square for the first time as pontiff.
Leo took a moment to take in the crowd after stepping onto the center balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, before delivering his remarks.
"Greetings, brothers and sisters. This is the first greeting of the risen Christ. May the peace be with you," Leo said in Italian. "This is the peace of the risen Christ."
Leo asked the crowd to pray for the late Pope Francis and expressed gratitude to his predecessor -- encouraging followers to continue Francis' mission "for building bridges."
"We have to be a church that works together to build bridges and to keep our arms open, like this very piazza, welcoming," Leo told the crowd.
The new pope also thanked the cardinals who elected him as Francis’ successor before reciting the "Hail Mary" prayer.
White smoke emerged fro the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel Thursday evening, signifying that the new pope had been elected.
Read more about what happens after the new pope is elected here.
May 8, 1:34 PM
Trump congratulates Pope Leo XIV
President Donald Trump congratulated the new pope in a Truth Social post.
"It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" he said.
-ABC News' Kelsey Walsh
May 8, 1:32 PM
Cardinal Prevost announces papal name as Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert Prevost selected the name Leo XIV, a senior cardinal deacon announced.
John, the most popular name selected among cardinals, has been used 23 times. Gregory has been used 16 times, and Benedict has been chosen 16 times.
The only name that is not allowed to be used is Peter, which is an unwritten rule in the Catholic Church, paying respect to the first pope, Saint Peter.
May 8, 1:57 PM
Robert Prevost steps out onto Vatican balcony
American cardinal Robert Prevost stands on the balcony on the facade of St. Peter's Basilica as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
May 8, 1:55 PM
’Habemus papam’ or ‘We have a pope’ declared
A senior cardinal deacon, who stands on the balcony on the facade of St. Peter's Basilica, overlooking St. Peter's Square and declared in Latin: "Nuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus papam" – "I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope."
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