Friday, May 8, 2026, marks exactly one year since the new pope of the Catholic Church was revealed as US-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who, according to tradition, took the name Leo XIV.
His unveiling came after his election on the second day of voting by the conclave of 133 cardinal electors, who had convened in the Vatican City.
Pope Leo XIV's selection followed the death of Pope Francis, marking a historic moment as Prevost became the first American to ascend to the papacy.
His election was announced in traditional fashion through the white smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signalling to the world that a new pontiff had been chosen.
The 133 cardinals participating in the conclave were locked inside the Sistine Chapel, following centuries-old tradition.
During the voting process, their only form of communication with the outside world was through the smoke signals emitted after each ballot.
Pope Leo XIV, delivering his first public address and apostolic blessing, known as Urbi et Orbi ("to the city and the world"), to thousands of pilgrims and onlookers gathered in St. Peter's Square, stated, "May peace be with all of you."
He paid tribute to his predecessor and also spoke briefly in Spanish to thank his former diocese.
“Help us, and help each other, build bridges,” he told the crowd of more than 40,000 people in St Peter’s Square.
Meet Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church
Watch a video of his unveiling below:
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