The world is ecstatic when Roberts Prevost, the new Pope, is chosen by the cardinal electors.
The first American pope, Robert Prevost, is elected by the cardinal electors and is known as Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV, who was just elected, is the first American to hold the office.
Prevost, 69, only became a cardinal in 2023 after serving as a missionary in Peru for the majority of his career. In 2023, he was brought to the Vatican by the late Pope Francis to take on the role of the influential head of the office that reviews international candidates for bishops, one of the most significant positions in the Catholic Church.
Leo XIV praised his predecessor, Francis, in his first remarks as pope.
“We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us,” he said.
“United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together,” he spoke to applauding throngs.
In addition, he honored the late Pope Francis by imploring the populace to remember his message of unity while speaking to the throng in his capacity as the next pope.
“We have to seek together to be a missionary church. A church that builds bridges and dialogue,” he said. Leo, in Italian, urged his audience to “show our charity” to others “and be in dialogue with love.”
