Robert Francis Prevost has been named as Pope Francis' successor. Here's what to know.
The successor of Pope Francis has been selected. Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, the first American pope. According to the Vatican, he will go by Leo XIV.
Here's what we know.
Who is the new pope?
The newly elected pope and successor to Pope Francis is Robert Francis Prevost, a Cardinal from Chicago. He is the first American Pope.
He has previously worked in St. Louis and studied in Rome, according to his Vatican profile. He also did mission work in Peru.
How many popes have there been?
Pope Leo XIV is now the 267th pope.
How is a pope elected?
Popes are elected in a process called a conclave. The conclave began on May 7.
Cardinal electors from 70 countries were sequestered from the outside world until a new pope is chosen. Every person involved – including support staff – was required to take an oath of secrecy.
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What does the different smoke from the Sistine Chapel mean?
Smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney represents where the decision process is for selecting the next Pope. Black smoke means a new pope has not been selected while white smoke means a decision has been made.
The white smoke seen on May 8 means a new pope has been elected.