Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected by 133 Cardinals in the Conclave.
The decision was made today just after 5pm Irish time when white smoke could be seen billowing from the chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel.
His Papal name is to be Leo XIV.
But who is the new Pope?
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost's journey to the papacy is marked by deep commitment to service, education, and leadership within the Catholic Church.
He entered the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977, making his solemn vows in 1981. Ordained a priest in 1982, Prevost pursued advanced studies in canon law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, earning a doctorate in 1987.
Prevost's missionary work began in Peru in 1985, where he served in various roles including community prior, director of formation, and judicial vicar in Trujillo. His dedication led to his election as prior general of the Augustinian Order in 2001, a position he held for two terms.
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, and he was consecrated as its bishop later that year. His leadership extended to the Vatican when, in January 2023, he was appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide.
Elevated to the College of Cardinals in September 2023, Prevost's extensive experience and balanced approach to church governance positioned him as a respected figure within the Church. His election as pope marks a historic moment, bringing an American perspective to the papacy while reflecting a lifetime of global service and dedication to the Catholic faith.
