Cardinals picked Robert Francis Prevost as the new Pope Leo XIV after Pope Francis died. White smoke rose from the chapel chimney, telling people waiting outside they had chosen a leader. Cardinal Mamberti told crowds about their joy at finding a new church head. The group of 133 voting church officials met inside the Vatican to make this important choice. Their decision affects more than one billion Catholics worldwide.
The new pope grew up in Chicago, USA, before running the office for bishops. He belongs to the Augustine religious group with experience helping people across Latin America. He faces hard problems like fewer believers, church changes, world crises talking with other faiths. His name choice connects him to earlier popes who spoke clearly about church teaching on worldwide issues. Pope Leo appeared on the church balcony to bless the city and the world as his first act.
The new pope grew up in Chicago, USA, before running the office for bishops. He belongs to the Augustine religious group with experience helping people across Latin America. He faces hard problems like fewer believers, church changes, world crises talking with other faiths. His name choice connects him to earlier popes who spoke clearly about church teaching on worldwide issues. Pope Leo appeared on the church balcony to bless the city and the world as his first act.
