Cardinal Robert Prevost from US Becomes New Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV

The College of Cardinals has elected a new Pope. White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, signalling the successful conclusion of the conclave.

Cardinal Robert Prevost from the United States has been elected as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church. The 267th pontiff has taken the name Leo XIV.

The election took place on the second day of the conclave, during the fourth round of voting. A total of 133 cardinals from around the world participated in the ballot.

Candidates for the papacy also included representatives from Italy, the Philippines and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) passed away on April 21. The 88-year-old pontiff died in his residence at the Santa Marta guesthouse following a stroke.