For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
In a historic moment at the Vatican, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church—marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. The decision was confirmed when white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, a traditional signal that a consensus had been reached by the 133 cardinals gathered in conclave.
Prevost, originally from the United States, will now be known as Pope Leo XIV. His election was formally announced by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti, who addressed the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square with the iconic Latin phrase, “Habemus papam!” Moments later, Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and delivered his first words to the world: “Peace be with all of you!”
The announcement sparked jubilant celebrations across the square. Church bells rang out not only in Rome but in major cities across Europe, including Madrid and Barcelona. Pilgrims and clergy members rejoiced together as shouts of “Viva il papa!” echoed across the crowd. Many captured the historic moment on their phones, while others stood in tears or prayer.
Before his public appearance, Pope Leo XIV spent a private moment in the “Room of Tears,” where pontiffs traditionally prepare to assume the responsibilities of the papacy. The emotional weight of the moment was visible as he emerged wearing the papal vestments, ready to address a global audience for the first time.
The Pontifical Swiss Guard led a ceremonial procession through the square, accompanied by military bands in dress uniform. Senior clergy and non-voting cardinals, including Americans over the age of 80, assembled near the basilica to witness the announcement.
Reacting to the news from Washington, President Donald Trump commented briefly after attending an event at the White House. “I saw the smoke, but I haven’t seen the pope,” he told reporters, acknowledging the significance of the event while offering no further remarks.
With the election of Pope Leo XIV, the Catholic Church enters a new chapter under American leadership for the first time in its nearly 2,000-year history. His background, vision, and chosen name are expected to shape the Church’s direction in a rapidly changing world.
According to a Wall Street Journal report on Saturday, SpaceX is investing $2 billion into xAI as part of a broader $5 billion equity funding round, s...
Iran has opened the first phase of its largest solar power plant as part of a major government programme to expand renewable energy capacity....
UK authorities have raised an amber heat health alert for much of southern England, warning that the ongoing heatwave could lead to a rise in deaths....
Floods driven by climate change are raising the danger of long-banned toxic chemicals resurfacing in rivers, soil, and food chains, according to a new...
A group of high-profile British political figures and commentators has threatened legal action to block the return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece, acc...
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
The election of U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has drawn an emotional response from clergy and laity across the globe, celebrating his historic rise as the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born missionary and Vatican official, has been elected pope, bringing decades of pastoral, academic, and global Church leadership to the papacy.
Black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signalling that the cardinals have not yet elected a new pope as the secretive Vatican conclave continues into its second day.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
A deadly mass shooting early on Monday (7 July) in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighbourhood left three men dead and nine others wounded, including teenagers, as more than 100 shots were fired.
Australian researchers have created a groundbreaking “biological AI” platform that could revolutionise drug discovery by rapidly evolving molecules within mammalian cells.
Dozens of international and domestic flights were cancelled or delayed after Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Monday, but Bali’s main airport remains operational.
French member of parliament Olivier Marleix was found dead at his home on Monday, with suicide being considered a possible cause.
UK authorities have raised an amber heat health alert for much of southern England, warning that the ongoing heatwave could lead to a rise in deaths.
Floods driven by climate change are raising the danger of long-banned toxic chemicals resurfacing in rivers, soil, and food chains, according to a new UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report.
Israel is expected to submit a new withdrawal map today during ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, as talks face challenges over the size of the buffer zone around Gaza.
Widespread wildfires have engulfed the Alawenat Oasis in southwestern Libya, with flames spreading into residential areas and causing panic among local communities, according to state media.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his “unconditional support” for all actions taken by Russia to resolve the Ukraine war, during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, according to North Korean state media.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment