The Conclave has elected the 267th Bishop of Rome, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. The announcement was given to the crowd by Protodeacon Cardinal Dominique Mamberti.

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Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus Papam!, “I announce to you with great joy: We have a Pope!” A few moments ago, from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti pronounced the long-awaited Latin formula, communicating to Rome and the world the name of the new Successor of Peter:

“Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum Robertum Franciscum Sanctæ Romanæ Ecclesiæ Cardinale Prevost, qui sibi nomen imposuit Leo XIV.”

The English translation is: “Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord, Sir Robert Francis, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Prevost, who has taken the name of Leo XIV.”

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Biography of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on February 19, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, is the new Pope of the Catholic Church. He was ordained a priest in 1980 and quickly distinguished himself for his dedication to his work. His pastoral ministry and profound theological knowledge led him to a series of important responsibilities within the Church.

Before being elected Pope, Cardinal Prevost held various positions in the Roman Curia, serving especially in the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and actively promoting missionary work in Africa and Latin America. In 2017, he was appointed Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, where he worked to strengthen religious life within the Church.

Cardinal Prevost was created a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2018 and was noted for his pastoral approach, his staunch defense of Catholic doctrine, and his charisma in bringing the Church closer to contemporary social challenges. Throughout his career, he has been a fervent defender of social justice, human dignity, and the importance of solidarity, especially in a globalized world in crisis.

His election as Pope, taking the name Leo XIV, has been interpreted by many observers as a sign of renewal in the continuity of Church teaching and a call to strong leadership centered on faith, justice, and service. With his commitment to those most in need and his pastoral approach, Leo XIV’s pontificate is expected to mark a new era of hope and action in the Catholic Church.