BREAKING: Cardinal Robert Prevost elected pope; takes name ‘Pope Leo XIV’

Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP

Christine Rousselle - published on 05/08/25

Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 266th successor to St. Peter and will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected pope on May 8, 2025, and took the pontifical name of "Pope Leo XIV."

His election was announced by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the Cardinal Proto-Deacon, at 7:13 p.m. Rome time.

The announcement came a little more than an hour after white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel at 6:08 p.m. Rome time. Pope Leo XIV was elected on the second day of the 2025 conclave, likely on the fourth ballot.

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