The Vatican has announced the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, marking a historic milestone as he becomes the first Augustinian to hold the papacy. The 69-year-old Chicago-born cleric has taken the name Leo XIV, becoming the second pope from the Americas, following his predecessor Pope Francis.
From the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti delivered the traditional Latin announcement — 'Habemus Papam' — to thunderous applause in St Peter's Square. Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd with his first words as pontiff: 'Peace be with all of you!'
