American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
The announcement was made from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica following the traditional declaration of Habemus Papam.
Prevost, 69, becomes the first American to ascend to the papacy.
The white smoke that billowed from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday signalled his election by the College of Cardinals after a successful conclave.
Crowds in St Peter’s Square erupted with cheers and applause as the new pope stepped onto the balcony to greet the faithful.
The selection of an American pontiff marks a historic moment for the Church, with many viewing his election as a potential turning point for its global leadership and direction.
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