Habemus Papam! Leo XIV Is the New Pope!

Deo gratias pro novo Successore Sancti Petri! May the Blessed Virgin Mary sustain our Pope Leo XIV! After just one day of conclave, in the fourth vote, 133 cardinals from 71 countries around the world elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope, who chose the name Leo XIV. White smoke appeared above the Sistine Chapel on May 8 at 6:04 p.m., and shortly afterward, the joyful announcement was made to the world: Habemus Papam. The 69-year-old cardinal, known for his long ministry in Peru and his role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, is the first pope in history from North America. His election has sparked enthusiasm among the faithful worldwide, and both political and religious leaders have sent their congratulations, expressing hope for a new chapter in the history of the Church. Pope Leo XIV has already presented his coat of arms and papal motto: In illo uno unum – “In Him, we are one.” We invite you to watch a video report from the very first moments after the white smoke appeared, through to the Urbi et Orbi blessing of the newly elected pope. The report was prepared by our spokesman, Fr. Tomasz Podlewski, who was present at Saint Peter’s Square during the events. Below, we also share the text of the first address of Leo XIV, delivered after his election to the See of Peter on May 8, 2025: Peace be with you all! Dear brothers and sisters, these are the first words spoken by the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for God’s flock. I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world. Peace be with you! It is the peace of the risen Christ. A peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering. A peace that comes from God, the God who loves us all unconditionally. We can still hear the faint yet ever courageous voice of Pope Francis as he blessed Rome, the Pope who blessed the world on the morning of Easter. Allow me to extend that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail! All of us are in God’s hands. So, let us move forward, without fear, together, hand in hand with God and with one another! We are followers of Christ. Christ goes before us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge that can lead us to God and his love. Help us, one and all, to build bridges through dialogue and encounter, joining together as one people, always at peace. Thank you, Pope Francis! I also thank my brother Cardinals, who have chosen me