The Catholic Church has elected a new leader: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago, Illinois, who will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.

The announcement followed the appearance of white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel earlier today—signaling the successful conclusion of the papal conclave. The decision came swiftly, with the 133 cardinal electors reaching a consensus on the third ballot, marking one of the quicker elections in recent conclave history.

Crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in celebration as the traditional signal confirmed that the Church’s 267th pope had been chosen. The cardinals had been meeting in strict secrecy within the Sistine Chapel, with the smoke signals serving as the only public indication of their progress.

Pope Leo XIV now prepares to deliver his first public address and apostolic blessing—“Urbi et Orbi” (“To the city and to the world”), officially beginning his papacy. The world now turns its attention to the Vatican, eager to hear his message and to witness the direction he will take in leading the global Catholic Church.

This historic election makes Pope Leo XIV the first American-born pontiff, marking a significant milestone for the Church and the United States alike.