Cardinal Robert Prevost steps out as new pope, succeeds Pope Francis amid cheers in St Peter's Square

Cardinal Robert Prevost made his first public appearance as the new pope on Thursday evening, stepping onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica shortly after white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel — the traditional signal that a new pope has been elected. He succeeds Pope Francis who passed away recently.

Prevost, 69, took the name Leo XIV. The first American pope, brings both missionary roots and deep Vatican experience with him.

As Prevost emerged, tens of thousands of people gathered in St Peter’s Square erupted into cheers. Many applauded and some wept as the new pontiff offered his first blessing. The emotional moment followed hours of anticipation, with people from around the world watching the Vatican chimney for the telltale smoke.


As per tradition, the announcement was made when a senior cardinal steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and declared “Habemus papam!” — Latin for “We have a pope!”

He is expected to deliver a short greeting and offer his apostolic blessing from the same balcony.