"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"

White smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel on the evening of Thursday, May 8, signaling that the Vatican has elected a new Pope. After a short wait, Cardinal Dominique François Joseph Mamberti stepped out onto the balcony overlooking St.

Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago will succeed Pope Francis as the leader of the Catholic Church. Prevost, the first American pope in history, will go by Leo XIV. Here's a look at the scenes across Rome and nearby countries after white smoke poured from the chimney.