Robert Francis Prevost Becomes First American Pope

White smoke is released as the Cardinals decide on the new pope

Sophia McCormack and Jack Galloway | May 8, 2025

The Associated Press livestream plays in Mr. Hall’s classroom as Pope Leo XIV is shown for the first time.

White smoke was released from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel today at 11:10 a.m. Every bell in the Vatican started ringing. A new Pope had been chosen.

In order for a new pope to be elected, the Cardinals need to reach two-thirds majority, or 89 votes. This finally happened on the second day of the conclave, and the fourth time voting.

The man elected was announced to be Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native. He is the first pope to ever come from the United States.

Prevost also spent a lot of time in Peru. He was sent there on a mission in 1984, and he remained in Peru until 2023, with the exception of two years back in his home town in the 2010s.

Students gather in Mr. Hall’s class to watch the new pope be revealed (Jonathan Hall)

In 2023, the late Pope Francis promoted him to Archbishop, and in 2024 he was promoted to Cardinal.

After about an hour and a half of waiting, the pope exited onto the balcony of the Sistine Chapel. It was revealed that he chose the name Leo, making him Pope Leo XIV.

Once the Pope was announced, many people, both Catholics and non-Catholics, were excited.

“I like the fact that he has got a lot of cultures, he is not just stuck in one. He is open to other cultures and understands other people,” ELA teacher Mrs. Franke said.

In reference to the new Pope being from Chicago, Olivia Grams (9) said, “I think it is really cool. It is very close to home.”

Overall, a new Pope means big things for the Catholic Church, there is the chance for drastic change within the Church, and a chance of no change at all.

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About the Contributors

Sophia McCormack, Reporter

Sophia McCormack is a freshman in high school. This is her first year of publications, and she is currently taking Intro to Journalism. In her free time, Sophia likes to read and write. She plans to volunteer at her parish’s middle school youth group every other Wednesday. In school, she is involved in theater and Key Club. On the weekends she enjoys hanging out with friends and going to youth group.

Jack Galloway, Reporter

Jack Galloway is a junior and this is his first year in journalism. In his free time he enjoys listening to and writing music, playing video games, and hanging out with his girlfriend. He’s in two bands and loves anything to do with music. He also enjoys watching baseball and was once a baseball player. After high school he hopes to be a music teacher.