We have a new pope — and for the first time in history, he’s an American.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old from Chicago, was elected on the second day of the papal conclave. He took on the name Pope Leo XIV.
Thousands of people were in St. Peter’s Square to greet the new pope, who appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica more than an hour after white smoke signaled his election.
In his speech, Leo outlined his vision for the Catholic Church as one that “builds bridges” and engages in conversation. He also called on the Catholic Church to be a “synodal” church, “one which goes forward and which always seeks peace and to be close to those who suffer.”
The new pope is a leader with global experience. He spent much of his career as a missionary in South…
