The Catholic Church Has Elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope

Prevost, who will take the name Leo XIV, was elected as the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Andrew Medichini/AP
Share
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Andrew Medichini/AP
The Catholic Church Has Elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope
Copy

Live video feed from the Associated Press.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and led 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.

White smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel chimney Thursday at 6:07 p.m. local time, signaling that a pontiff had been elected to lead the Catholic Church.

Read more updated news on the Associated Press.

Republicans aim to rescind $9.4 billion in previously approved spending, targeting public broadcasting and foreign aid, as part of a broader push to align with Trump’s “America First” agenda and showcase fiscal discipline
From bathymetric maps of hidden bays to a Washington Bridge detour ornament that took the internet by storm, Coastal Carve Engravings is blending storytelling, humor, and community in every carved creation
Despite delays and investor hesitation, the nonprofit remains committed to financing its $160 million takeover of Roger Williams and Fatima hospitals — a deal state leaders say is critical to avoiding a health care crisis
Under a tentative agreement, state would pay nearly $2 million to resolve complaint brought by the parent of a 21-year-old student
Christopher Adamo, massage therapist and East Providence resident
House budget plan raises Rhode Island’s gas tax to 40 cents per gallon and boosts RIPTA’s share of transportation funds, plugging nearly half its $32.6 million deficit. Transit advocates warn service reductions still loom without broader revenue solutions