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.

ByDavid Brennan, Jon Haworth, Julia Jacobo, Megan Forrester, and Kevin Shalvey
Last Updated: May 11, 2025, 7:55 AM EDT

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+.

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Here's how the news is developing.
May 08, 2025, 4:11 PM EDT

This is what is on Pope Leo XIV’s schedule over coming days

The newly elected Pope Leo XIV will have several events scheduled over the next few days, according to the Vatican.

On Friday, Leo will celebrate mass in the Sistine Chapel at 11 a.m. local time, Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, told journalists in a short briefing Thursday evening.

Leo will recite the Regina Coeli prayer from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday at noon.

On Monday at 10 a.m., Leo will give an audience to all accredited journalists and media workers, in which he is expected to give a speech.

-ABC News' Phoebe Natanson

May 08, 2025, 4:01 PM EDT

Pope Leo is the 1st Augustinian friar to be elected pontiff

In addition to being the first pope from the United States, Leo is the first Augustinian friar to be elected pontiff.

He graduated from Villanova University, the only Augustinian Catholic university in the nation, in 1977.

Pope Leo XIV appears on the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica after being chosen the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025.
Alessandra Tarantino/AP

"As an Augustinian Catholic institution, we celebrate this significant day for our University community and the global Church," the Rev. Peter Donohue, the university's president, said in a statement Thursday. "Villanova, built on the teachings of St. Augustine, has always been grounded in advancing a deeper understanding of the fundamental relationship between faith and reason -- between spirituality and wisdom. With today's election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, I cannot help but reflect on what his Augustinian papacy will mean to our University community and our world. Known for his humility, gentle spirit, prudence and warmth, Pope Leo XIV's leadership offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our educational mission."

Read here for more about Pope Leo XIV.

May 08, 2025, 3:28 PM EDT

Joe Biden, 2nd Catholic president, congratulates pope

Former President Joe Biden, the second Catholic president and active churchgoer, issued a statement about Pope Leo on X.

"Habemus papam - May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois," Biden wrote. "Jill and I congratulate him and wish him success."

-ABC News' Oren Oppenheim

May 08, 2025, 3:20 PM EDT

Obama congratulates new Pope Leo

Former President Barack Obama shared his praise for Pope Leo in a tweet Thursday.

"Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith," he said.

-ABC News' Brittany Shepherd

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