Pope Leo XIV was elected as the Catholic Church's 267th leader on Thursday, marking a historic moment as he became the first American to assume the papacy. The election took place after a two-thirds majority was reached by the 133 cardinals gathered inside the Sistine Chapel. The announcement was signaled by a plume of white smoke emerging from the temporary chimney atop the chapel, a traditional symbol indicating the successful election of a new pope. The newly elected pope, formerly American Cardinal Robert Prevost, is a 69-year-old native of Chicago. He chose the papal name Leo XIV, and his election is seen as a significant diplomatic move within the church. In his first remarks as pope, delivered in Italian, Leo XIV invoked a message of peace, referencing the risen Christ. "This is the first greeting of the risen Christ. May the peace be with you," he stated, emphasizing the peace that comes from faith. Pope Leo XIV's family expressed their pride and concern following his election. His brother, John Prevost, shared with "Good Morning America" that he had a brief conversation with the new pope, congratulating him on his new role. John reflected on his brother's lifelong calling to the priesthood, noting that from a very young age, Robert Prevost was determined to serve the church. He speculated that this path might have been influenced by their upbringing, with both siblings pursuing careers rooted in their faith. John Prevost also touched on the mixed emotions their parents would have felt if they were alive to witness this moment. While they would have been filled with joy and pride, they would also have been concerned about the enormous responsibilities now resting on their son's shoulders. John expressed his own concerns, acknowledging the significant challenges Pope Leo XIV faces in uniting the global Catholic community amid growing divisions and declining church attendance. The new pope's approach to his role was further clarified in a homily delivered from the Sistine Chapel. According to Rev. John Wauck, who spoke to ABC News, Pope Leo XIV views America and the West as "missionary territory." The pope highlighted the challenges of preaching the Gospel in contemporary society, where faith is often dismissed as irrelevant or weak. He emphasized the need for missionary outreach in places where faith is marginalized, pointing to a broader crisis of meaning and human dignity in society. Pope Leo XIV's first mass as pontiff was a significant event, lasting just over an hour and twenty minutes. The College of Cardinals offered him a warm reception with a long round of applause as he exited the Sistine Chapel. Looking ahead, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to recite the Regina Coeli prayer from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday at noon. On Monday, he plans to address all accredited journalists and media workers, providing insight into his vision for the church and his leadership. Notably, Pope Leo XIV chose to wear black shoes during his first mass, a sartorial choice reminiscent of Pope Francis. This choice contrasts with the red shoes often worn by Pope Benedict XVI, suggesting a continuity with the simple, humble style associated with his immediate predecessor. As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, he carries the hopes and expectations of millions of Catholics worldwide. His unique perspective as the first American pope and his focus on addressing the challenges facing modern society position him as a potentially transformative figure in the Catholic Church.