After less than 24 hours of seclusion in the Vatican, cardinals ended the 2025 papal conclave with the election of a new pontiff. The man chosen, Cardinal Robert Prevost, will be known as Pope Leo XIV — the first pope ever from the United States.

White smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel on the evening of Thursday, May 8, signaling that the Vatican has elected a new Pope. After a short wait, Cardinal Dominique François Joseph Mamberti stepped out onto the balcony overlooking St.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost – now known as Pope Leo XIV — is the first pope from the United States. Here are 10 things to know about the new pontiff.