Pope Leo XIV: TIME Magazine Features the First American Pontiff in History

“Habemus Papam,” meaning “we have a Pope,” announced TIME Magazine’s digital edition for Robert Francis Prevost, the first American head of the Roman Catholic Church, who chose the name Pope Leo XIV. After a brief wait, which is not very common in Vatican procedures, TIME journalist Aryn Baker reported that American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was declared the 267th leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti proclaimed the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 on April 21. “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus Papam” (I announce to you a great joy. We have a Pope), he said as white smoke emerged from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel. Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appeared on the balcony dressed in white robes covered by a red ermine-trimmed cape and adorned with a golden embroidered sash. He prayed with folded hands and smiled as the crowd cheered his name and shouted “Viva La Papa!” Speaking with an Italian accent, he said, “Peace to all of you…to all people wherever they may be, peace be with you.” In his first public speech, the new pontiff thanked fellow cardinals and briefly spoke Spanish to acknowledge his time serving as bishop in Peru for decades. He concluded with his first ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing, marking the start of his papacy. The crowd waving flags from dozens of countries, including some American ones, celebrated this historic moment. Donald Trump, who attended Pope Francis’s funeral last month, congratulated Pope Leo XIV via Truth Social, calling it a great honor for America.