The Catholic Church has elected a new pope: American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost will lead the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics as Pope Leo XIV.

The 69-year-old, originally from Chicago, becomes the first pontiff from the United States. His election was confirmed on the first full day of voting in the conclave, with the cardinals reaching agreement by the third ballot.

White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney earlier on Wednesday, signalling the successful outcome of the vote. It was greeted by cheers from tens of thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo XIV is due to appear shortly on the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to deliver his first public blessing – the traditional Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and the world”) – formally beginning his papacy.

Cardinal Prevost brings a wealth of global experience to the role. A member of the Augustinian order, he spent more than a decade as a missionary in Peru, later serving as bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 until 2023. He became a Peruvian citizen in 2015 and holds dual nationality.

Prior to his election, he headed the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most influential departments in the Roman Curia, responsible for selecting bishops around the world.

His appointment is seen as a continuation of the reforms initiated under his predecessor, Pope Francis, with whom he worked closely.

Pope Leo XIV is expected to outline his vision for the Church in the coming days.

Source:TheDotNews