The new pope and leader of the Catholic Church has been officially appointed following two days of discussions.
The conclave has officially selected Pope Francis’ successor following a discreet meeting that concluded merely two days into the election process.
The newly appointed pope is Cardinal Robert Prevost, aged 69, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV. This significant announcement was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago, holds the distinction of being the first American pope in history.
He served as the Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023 and was the general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been appointed as the pope, adopting the name Pope Leo XIV (ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images)
The newly appointed pontiff follows the passing of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who died from a stroke at the age of 88 on Easter Monday after leading the Catholic Church for 12 years.
Following a nine-day period of mourning, in accordance with established protocol, inquiries emerged regarding the individual anticipated to assume the esteemed position within the Vatican, with eight specific cardinals identified as potential successors.
The latest news reports that the College of Cardinals, consisting of the highest-ranking officials of the Catholic Church appointed by the deceased pope, has arrived in Rome to undertake the significant responsibility of selecting the next pope.
Globally, there are over 240 cardinals, with the number of papal electors generally limited to 120. Additionally, only cardinals who are under the age of 80 are permitted to cast their votes.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
Recently, Al Jazeera reported that there were 138 voters qualified to participate. The papal conclave convened in the Sistine Chapel beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling, sealing the doors to engage in deliberations while taking an oath of complete confidentiality. During this period, they have been barred from communicating with anyone outside, only leaving to rest and dine at St. Martha’s house.
For this reason, they have been prohibited from using mobile phones, receiving letters, or reading newspapers.
Over the last two days, the clergy has conducted votes as many as four times daily. A candidate is only deemed elected as the new pope once they achieve a two-thirds majority.
The conclave also formally incinerates the ballot cards using chemicals, signaling to the attentive observers outside the Sistine Chapel’s chimney whether a decision has been reached.
The assembly has convened in the chapel to discuss matters (Vatican Media/Anadolu via Getty Images). Recently, black smoke has been emanating from the building; however, earlier today, observers witnessed white smoke rising for the first time, signaling their decision.
This sight prompted spectators in St Peter’s Square to break into applause as bells rang to affirm the announcement.
Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pope, has assumed the role of the spiritual leader for Catholics worldwide, regarded as the successor to St. Peter, the first pope.
The most protracted papal conclave occurred in 1268, lasting two years and eight months to reach a decision. Upon selection, the elected individual is inquired whether he accepts the election and is permitted to select his new name as pontiff, which in this instance is Pope Leo XIV.
