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 09, 2025, 6:01 AM EDT

Pope says he will 'sing a new song to the Lord' in first homily

Pope Leo XIV began his first homily at the Sistine Chapel in English on Friday, inviting people to "recognize the marvels that the Lord has done."

"I begin with a word in English, and the rest is in Italian, but I want to repeat the words from the Responsorial Psalm," Pope Leo XIV said. "I will sing a new song to the Lord, because he has done marvels, and indeed, not just with me, but with all of us, my brother cardinals, as we celebrate this morning,"

"I invite you to recognize the marvels that the Lord has done, the blessings that the Lord continues to pour out upon all of us," the pope continued. "Through the ministry of Peter. You have called me to carry that cross and to be blessed with that mission. And I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue as a church, as a community of friends of Jesus as believers, to announce the good news, to announce the gospel."

May 09, 2025, 5:52 AM EDT

Pope begins homily in his first mass in English

In his first mass as pope, Leo XIV began his homily with some words in English. He also spoke in Italian and Spanish during the service.

May 09, 2025, 5:19 AM EDT

Pope Leo XIV celebrating his first mass as pope at the Sistine Chapel

On his first full day after being elected the 267th pontiff, Pope Leo XIV is now celebrating his first mass as pope at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.

The service started with a choir singing an antiphon from Psalm 46 and it is being conducted in multiple languages.

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, May 9, 2025.
Simone Risoluti/Vatican Media via Reuters

May 09, 2025, 4:00 AM EDT

An estimated 150,000 people filled St. Peter's Square to welcome new pope

An estimated 150.000 people filled St. Peter's Square on Thursday evening to welcome the new pope, the Italian Department of Civil Protection told ABC News.

Pope Leo XIV has several events scheduled over the next few days, according to the Vatican.

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV waves to faithful and pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square shortly after his election, May 8, 2025.
Francesco Sforza/Vatican Media via AP

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 and 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 speed.

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