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.”
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Moment new pope emerges on balcony
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.”
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost poses after being elevated to the rank of cardinal at the Vatican, September 30, 2023. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost poses after being elevated to the rank of cardinal at the Vatican, September 30, 2023 REUTERS/Yara Nardi.
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.
