Just hours after his historic election, Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the iconic balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, warmly greeting tens of thousands of cheering faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Smiling, waving with both hands, and bowing humbly, the new pope made his first public appearance as the spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
The newly elected pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States, chose the name Leo XIV, marking a significant milestone as the first American pope in history. His appearance was met with an outpouring of emotion and applause, as church bells rang out across Rome and beyond in celebration of this new chapter in the Church’s legacy.
Prevost was elected earlier in the day by a global conclave of cardinals following two days of intense, closed-door deliberations inside the Sistine Chapel.
READ ALSO: Robert Francis Prevost Becomes First American Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV
The world was alerted to his election through the traditional sign of white smoke rising from the chapel chimney — a powerful symbol of unity and renewal in the Catholic Church.
Taking the name Leo XIV signals a possible nod to strength, reform, and diplomacy — attributes associated with past Popes named Leo. In his first remarks as pope, he emphasized themes of peace, inclusion, and the urgent need for the Church to “build bridges” and “welcome everyone.“
With his first public blessing and heartfelt gestures from the balcony, Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy with a message of hope, humility, and forward-looking faith — poised to guide the Church through a new era.
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