DAAAA Pope! In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. Elected on May 8, 2025, during the second day of the conclave, Leo XIV becomes the 267th pope, succeeding Pope Francis. His election was announced to the world with the traditional “Habemus Papam” declaration from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.