(VOVWORLD) -After two days of conclave, on Thursday afternoon, the crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the Vatican now has a new Pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, who takes the name Leo XIV.
 Pope Leo XIV waves to the faithful from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican. Photo: Ouest-France
|
The new Pope is a close associate of the previous Pope, Francis, having served at the Vatican under Francis's leadership. His elevation to Pope marks the first time in the history of the Church that an American leader has been elected. Prevost is fluent in English, French, Italian and Spanish, and also knows Portuguese, Latin and German.
Appearing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo addressed to more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide “Peace be with you all.” He also paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, calling on everyone to remember his predecessor’s legacy.
In his first speech, the newly elected Pope outlined his vision for the Catholic Church. “Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, establishes dialogue, that’s always open to receive — like on this piazza with open arms — to be able to receive everybody that needs our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.”
Following the election of Pope Leo XIV, leaders from around the world and international organizations sent messages of congratulations and best wishes.