The smoke above the Vatican is white.
On Thursday evening, local time, history was made in Rome as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, was elected as the new pope. Appearing before the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he introduced himself as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first pontiff to take the name Leo in more than a century.
The announcement sent waves of celebration through St. Peter’s Square, where thousands had gathered in anticipation after the conclave began. When white smoke rose from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, the message was unmistakable: the cardinals had reached a decision, and the Catholic Church had a new leader.
Only two days after the College of Cardinals entered the locked conclave to choose the next pope, the process came to a dramatic close. Bells rang, crowds cheered, and Catholics around the world watched as the Vatican prepared to reveal the man who would lead more than a billion faithful.
When Robert Prevost stepped onto the balcony, the reaction was immediate. The crowd erupted as he stood before St. Peter’s Square, now carrying the weight of one of the most powerful spiritual offices in the world. His chosen name, Leo XIV, links him to a long papal tradition, with 13 previous popes having taken the name before him.
But while many Catholics celebrated the election, the reaction was not universally joyful. Almost immediately, criticism began spreading online, particularly among some MAGA supporters who objected to the new pope’s background, tone, or perceived political leanings. Social media quickly became a battlefield of praise, suspicion, and ideological debate.
For supporters, Leo XIV represents continuity, faith, and a new chapter for the Catholic Church at a moment of global uncertainty. For critics, especially in some conservative political circles, his election has already raised questions about where he may stand on issues that have divided Catholics and political movements alike.
The election of an American-born pope adds another historic layer to the moment. Robert Francis Prevost’s rise to the papacy marks a stunning turn in Church history, placing a figure with deep ties to the United States at the center of global Catholic leadership.
As the world absorbs the news, attention now turns to how Pope Leo XIV will define his papacy. His first words, early decisions, and approach to the major moral, political, and cultural questions facing the Church will be watched closely.
For now, one image dominates: white smoke above the Vatican, bells ringing across Rome, and a new pope standing before the world as Leo XIV.
