Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost becomes first American pope takes name of Leo XIV

Rome

US Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been chosen as the new pope.

He was confirmed by senior cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who came out on to the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to cheering crowds.

Announcing the news, he said the famous Latin words “Habemus Papam”, meaning “we have a pope,” as thousands gathered in the square below.

The 69-year-old Chicago-born cardinal will take the name Leo XIV, and in his first public words as pope, said: “May peace be with all of you.”

Speaking of Pope Francis who died on Easter Monday, the pontiff said: “The pope that blessed Rome gave his blessing to the whole world on that Easter morning. So let us follow up that blessing.”

He then added: “Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, establishes dialogues.

“That’s always open to receive, on this piazza with open arms, to be able to receive everybody that needs our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.”

He went on to speak in Spanish, nodding to his time as a missionary, and said: “I would particularly like to say hello to my compatriots from Peru.

“It was a great pleasure for me to work in Peru.”

Pope Leo then said: “Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole church.

“And for peace throughout the world. And let’s ask for this special grace from Mary, our mother.”