In the heart of the Vatican, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney on May 8, 2025, announcing the election of the new pope to the world. Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American cardinal, was chosen as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time a leader of the Catholic Church comes from the United States. Thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square celebrated with chants and applause. The Swiss Guard paraded in ceremony, while bells echoed through the city.
The election took place on the second day of the conclave, after two rounds of voting without consensus, signaled by black smoke. Prevost’s selection, securing at least 89 of the 133 cardinal votes, reflects a moment of renewal for the Church.
Key moments of the process included:
- The burning of ballots with chemicals to ensure white smoke.
- The “Habemus papam” announcement by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti.
- Leo XIV’s first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The crowd, estimated at 60,000 people, eagerly awaited the new pontiff’s name. The choice of an American from Chicago sparked global curiosity about the future of the Catholic Church.
Robert Francis Prevost’s journey
Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was born in Chicago and has an ecclesiastical career marked by pastoral service and commitment to social issues. Named a cardinal in 2020 by Pope Francis, he stood out for his balanced approach, blending traditional values with a progressive vision. At 69, Prevost brings experience in diocesan administration and interfaith dialogue.
Before the conclave, his name was among the favorites, alongside cardinals like Pietro Parolin and Pierbattista Pizzaballa. His fluency in five languages, including Italian and Spanish, was seen as an asset for leading a global Church. He studied theology in Rome and worked in communities in the United States and Latin America.
The choice of the name Leo XIV honors historical popes, such as Leo XIII, known for his encyclical on social justice. Prevost assumes the papacy with a reputation for humility and dedication to the underprivileged.
The conclave ritual
The 2025 conclave began on May 7, with the first vote resulting in black smoke, indicating no consensus. On the second day, the two morning rounds also ended without a decision, disappointing faithful waiting in St. Peter’s Square. The third vote, around 12:30 p.m. Brasília time, brought the long-awaited white smoke.
The process involved 133 cardinals, all under 80, who voted in secret in the Sistine Chapel. Each ballot was placed in an urn under an oath of secrecy. After the election, the ballots were burned with chemicals like lactose and naphthalene to produce white smoke.
Conclave rituals included:
- The cardinals’ isolation in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, without access to electronic devices.
- The result’s proclamation by Dominique Mamberti, a French cardinal born in Morocco.
- The new pope’s passage through the “Room of Tears” before his presentation.
- The pontiff’s inaugural blessing from the basilica’s balcony.
Leo XIV’s election was completed in less than two days, a relatively short time compared to historical conclaves.
Emotion in St. Peter’s Square
The appearance of white smoke triggered a wave of emotion in St. Peter’s Square. Faithful from various nationalities, including Brazilians, Mexicans, and Filipinos, celebrated with chants and prayers. A group of Brazilian pilgrims described the experience as “chilling,” highlighting the sound of the basilica’s bells.
The crowd, which grew throughout the day, included youth, families, and religious. Italian nuns sang traditional hymns, while African pilgrims danced in celebration. The presence of 60,000 people surpassed the 50,000 from the first day, according to Vatican estimates.
The Swiss Guard, in their colorful uniforms, performed a ceremonial parade, reinforcing the moment’s solemnity. Security was tightened with metal detectors and police, ensuring order in the square.
Significance of an American pope
The election of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV is a historic milestone. The United States, with about 70 million Catholics, has never had a pope, and the choice reflects the growing influence of the Americas in the Catholic Church. The new pontiff assumes the role amid challenges, including competition with evangelical churches in the region.
Prevost is known for his work in humanitarian causes, such as supporting immigrants and combating poverty. His experience may guide the Church on global issues, such as:
- Promoting social justice in regions affected by inequality.
- Dialogue with other religions, especially in conflict zones.
- Administrative reforms to increase Vatican transparency.
- Engaging youth, who represent the Church’s future.
Leo XIV’s American nationality also raises questions about the United States’ role in global Catholicism. The country faces debates over secularism, which may influence the new pope’s priorities.
Centuries-old traditions
A pope’s election is steeped in centuries-old rituals. After the vote, Prevost passed through the “Room of Tears,” where he reflected before accepting the papacy. The choice of the name Leo XIV was announced from the balcony, following a protocol that includes presenting the birth name and papal name.
The white smoke tradition, formalized in 1914, is about 200 years old. Before that, burning ballots didn’t always produce a clear signal. Today, chemicals ensure the distinction between white and black smoke, easing communication with the faithful.
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, responsible for the “Habemus papam” announcement, brought a multicultural touch. Born in Morocco and naturalized French, he symbolizes the Church’s diversity.
Global anticipation
Before the white smoke, tension gripped the Vatican. The black smoke on the morning of May 8 frustrated expectations but heightened anticipation for the afternoon votes. Social media was flooded with memes, including viral images of seagulls landing on the Sistine Chapel’s chimney.
St. Peter’s Square drew pilgrims from around the world. A Mexican group carried images of Our Lady of Guadalupe, while Nigerian faithful expressed hope for a pope prioritizing Africa. The presence of Catholic youth brought energy, with many joining prayer vigils.
Media coverage was massive, with TV channels broadcasting live. Journalists tracked every movement, while the Vatican debunked rumors of fake white smoke circulating online.
The Swiss Guard’s role
The Swiss Guard, founded in 1506, ensured security during the conclave. After the election, the guards paraded through St. Peter’s Square, drawing attention from faithful and tourists. Their colorful uniforms, designed in the Renaissance era, symbolize Vatican tradition.
The guards, all young Swiss Catholic men, undergo rigorous training. During the conclave, they controlled square access and protected the cardinals, who remained isolated. Their presence also marked Leo XIV’s inaugural blessing.
The Swiss Guard is more than a ceremonial symbol. Its members are responsible for the pope’s security at official events and international trips, a role that will gain prominence in the coming months.
The voting process
The 133 eligible cardinals voted in secret, with the election requiring a two-thirds majority. Each ballot was placed in an urn under oath and burned after each round. The black smoke from the early votes indicated difficulty in reaching consensus.
Cardinals from Eastern churches, dressed in traditional black attire, stood out visually. Their participation reinforced the Church’s universality, bringing together leaders from all continents. The diversity of origins, including cardinals from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, shaped the internal debate.
The conclave followed a strict schedule:
- First vote on the morning of May 7, with no result.
- Two votes on the morning of May 8, with black smoke.
- Third vote in the afternoon, electing Leo XIV.
- Official announcement about an hour after the white smoke.
Prevost’s election showed the cardinals’ ability to reach agreement in a relatively short time.
Brazilian presence at the event
Brazilians were present in St. Peter’s Square, with pilgrims from cities like Aparecida and Recife. A group from the National Shrine of Aparecida carried Brazilian flags and images of the patroness, celebrating the election with prayers. The ringing of bells in Aparecida, in São Paulo’s interior, marked Leo XIV’s choice.
Although Cardinal Leonardo Steiner, archbishop of Manaus, was among the favorites, Prevost’s election was well-received. Brazilians in the square highlighted the importance of a pope from the Americas, who could strengthen Catholicism in the region.
Brazil, with millions of Catholics, remains a pillar of the Church. The faithful’s participation in the conclave underscores the country’s relevance, even amid the growth of evangelical denominations.
The new pontiff’s agenda
Robert Francis Prevost, as Pope Leo XIV, assumes a packed agenda. The Church faces issues like evangelization in secularized regions and managing humanitarian crises. His interfaith dialogue experience may be crucial in areas of religious tension.
Key themes likely to guide his papacy include:
- Initiatives to combat poverty and support migrants.
- Reforms to increase Vatican financial transparency.
- Programs to engage young Catholics.
- Dialogue with leaders of other religions.
Leo XIV is expected to begin international trips in the coming months, with possible visits to Latin America and Africa, where Catholicism is rapidly growing. His leadership will be closely watched by faithful and analysts worldwide.