Robert Francis Prevost: New Pope Makes His First Public Appearance, Announces Chosen Name, Videos

• Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost made his first public appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica after being elected as the new Pope on May 8, 2025
• According to the Vatican, Cardinal Prevost chose the name Leo XIV, after videos of his first public appearance went viral
• Many people congratulated him, while others expressed excitement in him being chosen as the first American Pope

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has made his first public appearance after being elected as the new Pope on May 8, 2025.

New Pope's first public appearance

In videos trending on social media, Robert Francis Prevost made his first appearance as Pope on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.

His appearance came approximately 70 minutes after white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signalling that the 133 cardinal electors had selected a new leader for the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion followers.

He waved at the large crowd that had gathered at the forecourt of the Sistine Chapel amid cheers and chants.

In a brief speech, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced that the Cardinals have elected the new Pope. He also announced that Lord Robert Francis Cardinal chose the name Leo XIV.

“I announce to you a great joy; we have a Pope: The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord, Lord Robert Francis Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church PREVOST who has taken the name Leo XIV”.

Video of Robert Francis Prevost's first public appearance as Pope

Pictures from Robert Francis Prevost's first public appearance as Pope

Reactions to the new Pope's first public appearance

Many people shared their expectations they have of the new Pope as they highlighted the legacy of the late Pope Francis.

Others also filled the comment section with congratulatory messages, while others were disappointed that the next Pope was not African.

Below are the reactions of social media users to the election of Cardinal Pervost as the new Pope:

riazxd said:

"hope he supports 🇵🇸 and humanity."

may_bole_ said:

"Trump about to take credit with the tackiest tweet of his life.....so far. 🤦🏻‍♀️."

garrettthecow said:

"Let’s hope he follows Francis’ legacy of standing up for the poor and oppressed everywhere and especially Gaza."

uknowkalsoom said:

"American 😪 still hopes he'll advocate for peace."

alexppape said:

"As an American, I hope he’s far less of an international embarrassment that our current president."

hmckeeves said:

"He’s also a Peruvian citizen! He’s Peruvian-American."

adrianaalvares said:

"The first american pope was Francis. He is the first north-american pope."

Popular seer predicts next Pope

YEN.com.gh reported that a popular seer gained attention online after a viral prophecy about the successor to Pope Francis.

In a circulating video, Bright the Seer claimed he had seen spiritual revelations suggesting strong efforts are being made to ensure the next pontiff hails from Italy.

The prophecy sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many users sharing mixed reactions, some intrigued, others sceptical about the spiritual insight into one of the Catholic Church’s most significant decisions.

Source: YEN.com.gh