Pope Leo XIV selected as first American to lead Catholic Church

Read the Full Transcript

• Amna Nawaz:

  A new pope has been elected. And, in a major surprise, an American has been chosen for the first time.

• Geoff Bennett:

  Robert Francis Prevost will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.

  In his first remarks as the leader of more than one billion Roman Catholics around the world, the pope spoke of peace and building bridges to a crowd in St. Peter's Square.

  (Cheering)

• Geoff Bennett:

  In Rome, a wave of emotion as the newly elected pope emerged from the balcony of the Vatican. The new pope's first words, "Peace be with all of you."

  After two days of voting, white smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang out announcing the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, choosing to take the name Pope Leo XIV.

  Pope Leo XIV, Leader of Catholic Church (through interpreter): Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts to reach your families, to all people everywhere, to all the earth. Peace be with you.

• Geoff Bennett:

  The 69-year-old is the first American-born pope. Born in Chicago, he graduated from Villanova University and would go on to live in Peru, where he became a bishop and in 2015 a naturalized citizen.

  Pope Leo, who speaks multiple languages, was considered a close confidant of Pope Francis.

• Pope Leo XIV (through interpreter):

  This is the peace of the risen Christ, a disarmed peace and a disarming peace. Humble and persevering, it comes from God, God, who loves us all unconditionally. We will keep in our ears that weak, but always courageous voice of Pope Francis.

• Geoff Bennett:

  Before being named pope today, he held one of the most influential Vatican posts, running the office that selects and manages bishops globally.

• Annamaria Alessandrini, Italian Catholic (through interpreter):

  It is an exciting moment. I did not expect it. And on this sunny day, I feel a great energy in the square. I hope he will be the great successor of Pope Francis.

• Geoff Bennett:

  The election of the new pope comes at a delicate time for the Catholic Church, as it navigates lingering sex abuse scandals, internal divisions over LGBTQ inclusivity, and financial difficulties.

  But, today, Rome and the world celebrates Pope Leo XIV and the historic nature of the moment.

Improved audio player available on our mobile page