By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
 

Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been elected the first US pontiff in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church and has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican News reported.

Pope Leo made his first public appearance to impart a blessing from the roofed area of St Peter’s Basilica. In his first public words, Pope Leo told the faithful “peace be with all of you”. He emphasised the theme of peace throughout the address.

He told the crowd, “Evil will not prevail; we are in the hands of God. So without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we go forward.”

The new church leader called for a “missionary church that builds bridges, is always open to welcome everyone”.

The papal announcement has been generated excitement tinged with hope around the world, with leaders from numerous countries offering their congratulations.

Pope Leo spent his career ministering in Peru and also lead the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops.

Earlier, white smoke emerged out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, signalling that a new pope had been elected.

Bells rang out Thursday evening from the basilica after cardinals elected the 267th pope to lead the church on the second day of their conclave.

The smoke signal meant the winner secured at least 89 of the votes from the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis.