Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 18:07 local time, signalling his election on the third ballot of the conclave’s second day. Moments later, cheers erupted in St Peter’s Square as crowds waved flags and chanted, “Viva il Papa!”
Pope Leo XIV, aged 69, previously served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and is known for his reform-minded approach. Born in Chicago, he spent many years as a missionary in Peru, where he also became a citizen and served as bishop.
The new pope is expected to make his first public appearance shortly to deliver the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
He succeeds Pope Francis and is seen as a continuation of the Church’s reformist direction.
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