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, 6:39 AM EDT

Pope Leo XIV exits first mass to round of applause from College of Cardinals

Pope Leo XIV's first mass as pontiff lasted a little over an hour and twenty minutes and, as he was leaving, the College of Cardinals gave him a long round of applause as he walked among them and exited the Sistine Chapel.

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.

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, center, leaves after celebrating Mass with the College of Cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican the day after his election as 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, May 9, 2025.
Simone Risoluti/Vatican Media via AP

May 09, 2025, 6:25 AM EDT

Pope Leo XIV wearing black shoes during first mass

Pope Leo XIV is wearing black shoes, like Pope Francis wore, during his first mass which is being held at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Pope Benedict XVI, however, often wore red shoes.

Pope Leo XIV enters the Sistine Chapel to celebrate mass, May 9, 2025.
Vatican Media

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.

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