How the day played out as US cardinal Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV

LAST UPDATE | 16 hrs ago

AMERICAN CARDINAL ROBERT Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope.

The 69-year-old from Chicago chose the name Leo XIV after he was elected on day two of the conclave. 

A crowd of thousands erupted in prayer and emotion as Leo, successor to the late Francis, appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to deliver the first address of his ministry.

Even before his name was announced from the balcony, the crowds below were chanting “Viva il Papa” – Long live the Pope.

Robert Prevost will be the 267th bishop of Rome and pontiff.

• Explainer: The extreme measures taken to ensure the secrecy of the conclave
• Why the long wait? How the conclave worked
• Earlier: The black smoke caught our reporter – and a former US presidential hopeful – by surprise
• ‘Praying we get the right pope for the right time’: The Irish camping out in St Peter’s Square
• ‘First American pope’: World leaders congratulate Pope Leo XIV

Updates by Andrew Walsh in Dublin, Diarmuid Pepper in Rome and The Journal team. 

20 hrs ago 5:16PM

With white smoke now billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, the voting process of the papal conclave has come to an end – and a new pope has been elected. 

The cardinals have picked a successor to Pope Francis on the second day of voting, but the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics will have to wait for the official announcement from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to learn who he is.

20 hrs ago 5:20PM

The identity of the pope will be revealed when they make an appearance on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the next hour.

Until then, thousands of onlookers will continue to celebrate in St. Peter’s Square.

20 hrs ago 5:23PM

Vatican News have shared an image of the white smoke emerging from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.

20 hrs ago 5:28PM

Here’s another look at the large crowds currently in attendance at St. Peter’s Square, where the new Pope will shortly make an appearance

20 hrs ago 5:38PM

Here’s where the pope will make their first appearance - the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

It’s anybody’s guess as to who emerged victorious as Francis’ successor, but we can expect to find out in less than an hour.

20 hrs ago 5:45PM

A marching band clad in deep blue uniforms is now parading through the crowds at the Vatican, playing music as they go.

Alongside them, the Swiss Guards, wearing their distinctive blue and yellow striped attire, accompany the procession.

Spectators in the crowd are applauding and raising their phones to capture the moment.

20 hrs ago 5:53PM

It’s a warm and sunny evening in Rome, where thousands of visitors are currently running to St. Peter’s Square in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the new pope.

20 hrs ago 5:58PM

For those just joining us, the 267th pope – and Francis’ successor – has just been elected in the conclave.

White smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel just after 6pm (5pm Irish time), and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out in celebration.

When he emerges on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the next few minutes, the new pope will be introduced in Latin with his chosen papal name.

He will then address the world as the bishop of Rome and the head of the Catholic Church for the first time.

19 hrs ago 6:23PM

US Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope.

Seen as an outsider, the 69-year-old from Chicago has made history as the first pontiff from the US.

He has chosen the name Leo XIV.

19 hrs ago 6:28PM

After several minutes of applause, and a loud chant of “vive el papa” from the crowd, the new pope Leo XIV’s first words were “Peace be with all of you”

19 hrs ago 6:29PM

A native of Chicago, Prevost was the prefect of the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, which is charged with advising the pope on appointments of new bishops.

He spent years as a missionary in Peru and is the Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo in that South American country.

Made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, he was also the president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

19 hrs ago 6:30PM

“Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you,” Leo XIV said.

“Let us be united hand in hand with God, and amongst ourselves, let’s move forward.” 

“The world needs your light”.

19 hrs ago 6:32PM

US President Donald Trump has congratulated the new pope in a post on Truth Social, stating that meeting Leo XIV will be “a very meaningful moment”.

19 hrs ago 6:35PM

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has congratulated the new pontiff in a statement. 

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, I offer warm congratulations to Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV,” Martin said in a statement.

“The scenes of great joy and celebrations in St. Peter’s Square are a reflection of the hopes and goodwill felt by people of the Catholic faith from all around the world towards the new Pope.

“I hope that this groundswell of best wishes towards Pope Leo XIV will give him strength and support as he takes on the immense responsibility of his pontificate. I know that he has the best wishes of all Irish people, of all traditions.

“I also send my congratulations to the people of the United States, a country with which Ireland enjoys such a deep and strong relationship. To have a Pope from their country is a source of great pride and an honour for their nation.

“I wish Pope Leo XIV every strength, good health, and the required spiritual guidance as he begins his mission of leading the Catholic Church at a time of challenge, building on the pastoral direction and achievements of Pope Francis.

“I look forward to working with Pope Leo XIV as an important and influential partner in addressing the many and interlinked challenges facing our world, as we work for peace, justice and sustainable development for all.”

19 hrs ago 6:38PM

In his first comments in Italian, Pope Leo XIV says he wants this message of peace to “enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are.”

Paying tribute to Pope Francis, he urges faithful to “move forward, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other.”

He also thanks fellow cardinals for choosing him for the role.

19 hrs ago 6:40PM

Tánaiste Simon Harris has congratuled the new pope Leo XIV, saying that he has “no doubt” that he will continue to build on the “extraordinary legacy” left behind by his predecessor, the late Pope Francis.

“Ireland shares a long and enduring relationship with the Holy See, rooted in deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties,” Harris said.

“We in Ireland value this connection, and we look forward to continuing and strengthening our close engagement with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership.

“In a time marked by complex global challenges – from poverty and conflict to climate change – the role of moral and spiritual leadership is more vital than ever.

“We hope to work together with His Holiness in the pursuit of peace, justice, and solidarity amongst people.”

19 hrs ago 6:42PM

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald also congratulated the new pope, saying that it was “a big day not only for those of us who are Catholic but for everyone of faith and spirituality throughout the world”.

“I wish Pope Leo XIV well in his leadership of the church,” McDonald said.

“I hope that he will continue the courageous legacy of Pope Francis in being a true voice for compassion, peace, and justice. That he stays true to the vision that “we are all equal children of God”.”

19 hrs ago 6:47PM

After concluding his speech, the new Pope starts read a religious passage in Latin, paying homage to the saints and the Madonna.

After finishing with a further blessing, Leo XIV waves at the growing crowd in St Peter’s Square.

People are still cheering, with a Carabinieri military police band playing in the background as the new Pope looks on.

19 hrs ago 6:50PM

Spanish Prime Minister pedro Sánchez has congratulated “the entire atholic Church” for the election of the new pope.

“May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world that needs hope and unity,” Sánchez said.

19 hrs ago 6:54PM

During his first public comments, Leo XIV called for the light of Christ to serve “as the bridge” to God’s love.

He later led those in attendance at St Peter’s Square in prayer, with Ave Maria. Many in the crowd hummed along to the reciting.

19 hrs ago 6:59PM

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has congratulated the new pope, adding that the EU will “work closely” with Leo XIV.

“The European Union stand ready to work closely with the Holy See to confront global challenges and nurture a spirit of solidarity, respect and kindness,” von der Leyen said in a statement.

“Millions of Europeans draw daily inspiration from the Church’s enduring commitment to peace, human dignity, and mutual understanding among nations.

“We are confident that Pope Leo XIV will use his voice on the global stage to promote these shared values and encourage unity in the pursuit of a more just and compassionate world.”

19 hrs ago 7:02PM

Here’s what the Pope Leo XIV said in his inaugural address to the public.

18 hrs ago 7:05PM

ABC News is reporting that Pope Leo XIV, originally from the US city of Chicago, is a fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. 

A reporter on ABC News said that he is “the first cardinal who’s a Cubs fan”.

18 hrs ago 7:09PM

Leaders from around the world have congratulated the pope on his election.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris, on behalf of the Irish Government, offered their congratulations to Pope Leo XIV in separate statements this evening.

“The scenes of great joy and celebrations in St. Peter’s Square are a reflection of the hopes and goodwill felt by people of the Catholic faith from all around the world towards the new Pope,” Martin said.

US President Donald Trump has also congratulated the new pope, remarking on his American nationality. 

“What excitement,” Trump said. “And what a great honour for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

You can read more on the messages pouring in from world leaders, here.

18 hrs ago 7:17PM

The conclave to elect Pope Leo XIV was a relatively short one - Robert Francis Prevost was elected after just five rounds of voting.

Pope John Paul II was elected after eight ballots and three days in 1978, and in 2005, Pope Benedict XVI was elected after four votes in two days.

Leo XIV’s predecessor Pope Francis was elected after five ballots over two days in 2013.

Here’s how the conclave drama unfolded the last time around.

18 hrs ago 7:23PM

French president Emmanuel Macron has congratulated Pope Leo XIV in a statement.

“A historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful,” Macron said.

“To Pope Leo XIV, and to all Catholics in France and around the world, I extend a message of fraternity.

“On this May 8th, may this new pontificate be one of peace and hope.”

18 hrs ago 7:26PM

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also sent his congratulations to Leo XIV, wishing the new pontiff “wisdom, inspiration, and strength”

“Ukraine deeply values the Holy See’s consistent position in upholding international law, condemning the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians,” Zelenskyy said.

“At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace.”

18 hrs ago 7:33PM

Pope Leo XIV, a US native, has been critical of president Donald Trump previously, and has shared several highly critical posts about Trump and his immigration policies on X.

The Chicago-born cardinal’s most recent retweet questioned whether Trump and his administration “see the suffering” caused by their policies.

Speaking outside the White House this afternoon, Trump said that the election of Pope Leo XIV came as “a surprise”, but he added that it was “a great honour” to have an American pope for the first time.

18 hrs ago 7:38PM

Here’s a view from the ground of the moment when Pope Leo XIV first emerged to the public.

Our own Diarmuid Pepper braved the mammoth crowds to capture a close-up view of the new pontiff’s first appearance.

18 hrs ago 7:42PM

The Irish, you can’t escape us!

Shortly after the white smoke emerged, Diarmuid Pepper met another Irish man in St. Peter’s Square, who described the celebratory scenes outside the Sistine Chapel as “unbelievable”.

“It’s definitely somewhere you have to see, you know”.

18 hrs ago 7:49PM

The newly elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, is the Catholic Church’s first ever pope to come from the United Sates. 

Having entered Conclave without a favourite’s tag, the announcement of the 69-year-old’s election came as a surprise to many Vatican observers. 

But who is the new leader of the Catholic Church? 

You can read our profile here. 

17 hrs ago 8:12PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin wished newly-elected Pope Leo XIV “success”, saying he hoped the American pontiff would engage in “constructive dialogue” with the Kremlin.

“I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us,” Putin said in a message published by the Kremlin.

17 hrs ago 8:13PM

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the “momentous” election of Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, saying he looked forward to working with the new American pontiff.

“The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally, and begins a new chapter for the leadership of the Church and in the world,” Starmer said in a statement.

“Pope Leo is the first American Pope. This is a momentous moment.”

17 hrs ago 8:20PM

17 hrs ago 8:24PM

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte hailed the election of Pope Leo XIV as a “historic moment” for her country, where the American-Peruvian pontiff spent more than 20 years as a missionary and bishop.

The US-born pope, who became a Peruvian national in 2015, “chose to be one of us, to live among us and to carry in his heart the faith, culture and dreams of this country,” Boluarte wrote on Facebook.

17 hrs ago 8:38PM

A number of Americans in the Vatican continue to celebrate the election of the first American pope.

“Just knowing that the new pope is from the same place as I am is very exciting,” a Texan native told The Journal in St. Peter’s Square.

17 hrs ago 8:48PM

President Michael D Higgins extended his “warmest congratulations” to the new pope.

He said the new Pope Leo XIV assumes the role “at a time of great challenge for the world”.

“I send Pope Leo my very best wishes as he begins his Pontificate, and I welcome his statement that he is prepared to lead with compassion, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the values of peace, justice, and human dignity,” he said.

16 hrs ago 9:03PM

It has just passed 10pm in the Vatican, and the large crowds gathered to see the new pontiff have finally begun to disperse.

American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was chosen by the conclave earlier today to be the next pope. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

Leo XIV is the first pope to have been born in the United States. He is also a citizen of Peru, where he spent much of his life.

He was elected leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics on the second day of the conclave, by 133 red-robed cardinals who were sequestered in the Sistine Chapel.

With that, we’re wrapping up this liveblog. Thank you for joining us throughout the day.

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