Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, is the 267th successor of Peter

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is the 267th successor of Peter. With the name of Leo XIV, on Thursday, the 8th May 2025, at 7:10 p.m., it was announced by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti from the Loggia of Blessings. After the long-awaited white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, his words “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum; habemus Papam!” were greeted by the exultation of a St. Peter’s Square packed beyond all limits, which shouted, “Long live the Pope”and “Leo, Leo, Leo!”. 

 Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, in his first appearance as Pope Leo XIV, addressed the faithful from the balcony as follows: “Peace be with you all! Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who gave his life for God's flock. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, to all people, wheresoever they may be, to all peoples, to the whole earth. Peace be with you!”.

Afterwards he paid homage to Pope Francis, recalling his blessing in Rome during Easter. He continued by saying «I am a son of St. Augustine, an Augustinian, who said: “With you I am a Christian and for you a bishop”». He addressed a special greeting to his former diocese of Chiclayo in Peru and then asked everyone to pray a Hail Mary together and concluded with the Apostolic Blessing “Urbi et Orbi”. 

Br. Massimo Fusarelli, Minister General who was present in St. Peter’s Square said after the Pope’s election: “We greet with affection and joy, our new Pope Leo, who greeted the world by announcing peace, wishing it to all, asking to continue to build bridges. We renew to him as Friars Minor, our obedience and reverence in the spirit of St. Francis and our full collaboration in the mission of proclaiming the Gospel as missionaries, living it first and foremost and bearing witness to it. We guarantee the new Bishop of Rome our prayers and our full fidelity, for the good of all the people of God and of all men and women of good will”. 

Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, elected on the 13th March, 2013 and returned to the Father's House on the 21st April, 2025. 

 Read the first words of the Holy Father Leo XIV: English - Español - Italiano

Habemus papam!

First words of the Holy Father Leo XIV

Apostolic Blessing “Urbi et Orbi”