Habemus Papam! On Thursday, May 8, 2025, at approximately 6:10 p.m. Rome time (12:10 p.m. Eastern), white smoke appeared over the Sistine Chapel to signal the election of the 266^th successor of St. Peter. At 7:14 p.m. in St. Peter's Square, it was announced that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., from the United States, received the 2/3 vote from the College of Cardinals and has selected the name Pope Leo XIV.

In his first greeting to the world, he began, "Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you." (translation provided by Vatican News)