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+.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
May 08, 2025, 4:53 PM EDT

Americans in Rome react to announcement of Pope Leo

Americans in St. Peter's Square said they were shocked and thrilled at the announcement of Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States.

"It's so wonderful to just having experienced it, first of all," said Lisette Martinez, who rushed down to the square as soon as she heard there was white smoke. "And then it's the first American pope. It's surreal. It's holy. It's a blessing to be here."

People wave a U.S. flag at St Peter's Square as the cardinals signaled they elected a new pope during their conclave, in The Vatican, May 8, 2025.
Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images

William Jordan, from Virginia, brought his American flag down to the square.

"I blacked out for a second, truly," he said. "I don't even know what to think. I can't process it yet. Obviously, it's groundbreaking historically, and I have high hopes for what he can do in the Vatican and globally."

There were tears of joy for Jessica Wood as the new pope was announced. Wood, a New Yorker whose one-day trip to Rome just happened to coincide with this extraordinary moment in history, couldn't contain her joy.

"To be here for this moment is so unbelievably profound. It's something I'm going to be talking about for the rest of my life," Wood said.

-ABC News' Guy Davies, Zoe Magee and Maggie Rulli

May 08, 2025, 4:30 PM EDT

Empire State Building to honor Pope Leo

The Empire State Building will shine gold and white on Thursday evening in honor of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, May 8, 2025.
Alessandra Tarantino/AP

May 08, 2025, 4:12 PM EDT

Vice President JD Vance congratulates Pope Leo

Vice President JD Vance took to X to congratulate Pope Leo XIV, writing that Americans are praying for his success.

"Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American pope, on his election! I'm sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!" Vance wrote.

-ABC News' Hannah Demissie

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

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