American Cardinal Robert Prevost elected as new pope, takes name Leo XIV

What to Know

• Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American missionary from Chicago who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
• The 267th pope, who has taken the name Leo XIV, emerged from the balcony at St. Peter's Basilica.
• One hundred thirty-three cardinal electors gathered for the conclave to elect a new pope to follow Pope Francis, who died April 21.