Cardinal Robert Prevost, a native of Chicago, has made history as the first American to be elected pope. His election came on the second day of the papal conclave, where over 130 cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel to select a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on April 21.
The conclave, which began on May 7, followed centuries-old tradition: cardinals cast up to four votes a day, with black smoke indicating no decision and white smoke announcing a successful election. On the second day, the appearance of white smoke confirmed that a new pope had been chosen, marking the first papal election since 2013, when Pope Francis succeeded Benedict XVI.
Prevost’s election signals a historic new chapter for the Catholic Church, as he steps into a role last held by one of the most progressive and humble pontiffs in modern history.
