The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) has welcomed the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. ACBC President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, offered heartfelt congratulations, assuring the new pope of the Church in Australia’s prayers, loyalty, and joyful anticipation of his spiritual leadership. He expressed hope that the pontificate will be marked by peace, unity, and a deepening of the Gospel message worldwide.

Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, a Chicago-born missionary with decades of service in Peru, has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, the first North American pope. Known for his humility, global outlook, and deep compassion, he follows in the footsteps of Pope Francis with a vision of a Church that is inclusive, peace-seeking, and close to the poor.

On 7–8 May 2025, 133 cardinal electors convened in the Sistine Chapel for a historic conclave to elect the 267th pope. Following sacred rites and solemn prayers, black smoke on the first day signalled no decision, but by the second evening, white smoke and ringing bells announced: Habemus Papam — we have a pope.