VATICAN CITY - White smoke poured from the Sistine Chapel chimney Thursday afternoon, signaling the selection of a new Pope.
At least 89 of the 133 cardinals voting in the conclave were needed to select Pope Francis’ successor during the secretive voting process known as the conclave.
At about 1:15 p.m. local time, newly-elected Pope Leo XIV was announced from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. This is the first American elected to the papacy. The pope previously served as Cardinal Robert Prevost.
According to the Associated Press, Prevost, was born in Chicago and served as a missionary in Peru. Pope Francis brought him to the Vatican to vet bishop nominations from across the globe, making Prevost an important figure within the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV graduated from Pennsylvania's Villanova University in 1977. He was then ordained as priest in 1982 after studying at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago.
“Peace be with you all," newly-elected Pope Leo XIV said in his first statement to crowds outside St. Peter's Basilica. "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.”
Catholics on Delmarva and across the world have eagerly been awaiting the selection of Pope Francis' successor.