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+.
John Prevost, brother of newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost, speaks with ABC News in New Lenox, Illinois, May 8, 2025.
ABC News
May 08, 2025, 5:50 PM EDT
Pope Leo XIV appears on billboard in Philadelphia
The first American pope is being featured on a billboard in his home country.
An image of Pope Leo XIV standing on the center balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica after he was elected as the new pontiff was seen on a billboard in Philadelphia on Thursday.
“From the main line to the divine line,” the billboard states.
Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, is a Chicago native.
A billboard of Pope Leo XIV on display in Philadelphia, May 8, 2025.
WPVI
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.
