The Catholic Church elected Chicago native Robert Francis Prevost as pope May 8 at the Vatican.
Prevost, who took the name Pope Leo XIV, becomes the 267th pope and the first American-born pope. He is originally from the U.S. but also has citizenship in Peru.
Leo is a 1977 graduate of Villanova University and reportedly a fan of the Chicago White Sox — attending a 2005 World Series game. He is 69 years old.
Pope Leo’s ascension to pontiff followed Pope Francis’ death April 21 at the age of 88. Francis, who was from Argentina, was elected to be pope on March 13, 2013. The day before his passing, Francis made his final appearance, giving an Easter blessing and meeting with United States Vice President JD Vance.
Before his passing, Francis was met with medical issues. He suffered from a lung condition called multiple bronchiectasis and had pneumonia a month prior to his death, leaving him hospitalized.
World leaders mourned the death of Pope Francis. President Donald Trump ordered all U.S. flags be flown at half-staff in honor of the late pope until sunset April 26, the day of Pope Francis’ funeral. Thousands gathered outside St. Peter’s Basilica to observe the funeral with many world leaders in attendance. Among them were President Trump, President Joe Biden, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prince William, President Emmanuel Macron, and many others.
The mourning period for Francis lasted nine days, known as Novemdailes. This is a mourning period where nine masses are held in honor of the late pope. Following the mourning period, was the conclave.
The conclave is the gathering of the College of Cardinals to elect a new pope. It is a secret meeting where cardinals, high-ranking officials of the Catholic church, discuss and vote on the next successor. During this time, cardinals are not allowed to leave the Vatican until a new pope has been selected, which is signaled by white smoke.
There is no limit for the amount of time it takes to elect a pope. Most conclaves last two-to-three days, with the longest lasting three years. With the signal of the white smoke, the conclave to elect Pope Leo lasted one day.
