Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected as the 267th pope, making history as the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. The 69-year-old will be known as Pope Leo XIV, BBC reported.
He appeared before thousands in St. Peter’s Square Thursday evening, greeting them with the words, “Peace be with you all.” In his first address, delivered in Italian, Leo XIV honored his predecessor Pope Francis and called for a Church “that builds bridges and dialogue.”
“We must show our charity and be in dialogue with love,” he said, as stated by BBC.
Leo XIV was elected by 133 cardinals in just two days of conclave, indicating rapid and widespread support. He is anticipated to continue many of Francis' reforms, with an emphasis on unity and global participation.
