Pope Leo XIV live updates: Pope Leo XIV celebrating his first mass as pope at the Sistine Chapel

Pope Leo XIV celebrating his first mass as pope at the Sistine Chapel

ABC News LiveSean Sikora and Cole Wendling, Americans from Texas, celebrate after the newly elected Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV was announced on May 8, 2025 in Vatican City.

ByDavid Brennan, Jon Haworth, Julia Jacobo, Megan Forrester, and Kevin Shalvey

Last Updated: May 9, 2025, 3:19 PM +06

The temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke on Thursday evening local time, signaling that the 133 cardinals working inside had reached a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope for the Catholic Church.

American Cardinal Robert Prevost was shortly thereafter announced as the 267th pontiff. He chose the name Leo XIV, a senior cardinal deacon announced.

The 69-year-old Chicago native is the first American pope and is seen as a diplomat in the church.

"This is the first greeting of the risen Christ. May the peace be with you," Leo said in Italian in his first remarks as pope. "This is the peace of the risen Christ."