Read at 3 different speeds

A new pope at the Vatican - 19th May 2025

Recently, from the roof of the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, white smoke could be seen. The church cardinals were announcing there was a new pope. It took them only two days to choose him. Thousands of people hurried to St Peter's Square to wait for the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church to appear.

Cardinal Dominque Mamberti spoke to the crowds in Latin. "We have a pope," he said.

This is the first time there's been an American pope. He's called Robert Francis Prevost, and many people, like this priest from Washington, were shocked.

Reverend Monsignor W Ronald Jameson: "Very proud, but I must say, I was totally shocked and I was not expecting an American being named Pope. I thought, never in my lifetime, maybe later, but not in my lifetime."

As is the tradition, Prevost has chosen a special name. Some say that his choice, Leo XIV, is an important one.

The 69 year old is American by birth, but his family background is French, Italian and Spanish. He's also a citizen of Peru, where he lived for several years. His fans hope that his life experiences will help him continue like Pope Francis, the previous pope.

Azul Montemayor: "I'm a bit surprised. I was not expecting an American to be elected and I'm just, I'm hoping that he carries on Francis's legacy of just being more inclusive."

Pope Leo's now the leader of 1.4 billion Roman Catholics. His work began properly after the church ceremony on 18th May.