May 08, 2025, 1:21 PM EDT
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.
Dylan Martinez/Reuters
Pope Leo XIV calls for end to wars in Ukraine, Gaza
Pope Leo XIV was elected as the Catholic Church's 267th leader on Thursday.
The temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke on Thursday evening local time, 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 shortly thereafter announced as the 267th pontiff. He chose the name Leo XIV, a senior cardinal deacon announced.
The 69-year-old Chicago native is the first American pope and is seen as a diplomat in the church.
"This is the first greeting of the risen Christ. May the peace be with you," Leo said in Italian in his first remarks as pope. "This is the peace of the risen Christ."
Tune in to "The American Pope: Leo XIV," a special edition of "20/20," streaming now on Hulu and Disney+.
Latest headlines:
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Here's how the news is developing.
May 08, 2025, 1:21 PM EDT
’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."
Yara Nardi/Reuters
May 08, 2025, 12:45 PM EDT
Trump comments on pope selection
When asked at the conclusion of a White House ceremony honoring military mothers for his reaction to a new pope being chosen, President Donald Trump acknowledged the news out of the Vatican.
"I've seen the smoke, but I haven't seen the pope," he said before walking out of the East Room.
May 08, 2025, 12:38 PM EDT
Crowds in Vatican Square wait for new pope to emerge
Thousands of people have gatherered in Vatican Square to witness the first appearance of the newly elected pope.
White smoke was released from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening, signifying that the 133 voting cardinals reached a two-thirds majority to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Crowds cheered as the smoke emerged and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang.
The new pope is expected to address the crowd next to the iconic red velvet curtains lining the central balcony of the basilica.
Dylan Martinez/Reuters
Marko Djurica/Reuters
Claudia Greco/Reuters
