First ever American Pope announced as Cardinal Robert Prevost known as ‘Father Bob’ elected by Conclave & named Leo XIV

CARDINAL Robert Prevost from the US has been elected as Pope after less than 24 hours of secretive voting.

The first-ever American Pope has taken the name Pope Leo XIV.

APPope Leo XIV appears on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica after his election[/caption] It would be the first ever American Pope APThe new Pope selected the name Pope Leo XIV[/caption] GettyCrowds cheered as the new Pope emerged  on St Peter’s balcony[/caption] APWhite smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel around 5pm[/caption] AFPPope Francis served as pope from March 2013 to April 2025[/caption] EPAThe cardinal electors entering the Sistine Chapel at the beginning of the Conclave[/caption]

White smoke erupted from the Vatican at around 5pm as a signal that the new pontiff had been chosen.

The Pope greeted the world for the first time on the balcony in the iconic St Peter’s Basilica overlooking St Peter’s Square.

The newly elected pontiff appeared in papal robes – complete with a white silk sash and skullcap and red leather shoes.

The announcement of the new pope was made as clouds of white smoke or fumata bianca emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, as a bell rang.

Crowds of faithful Catholics erupted with joy and were seen cheering as they patiently waited to find out who the new Pope would be.

It comes after black smoke billowed from the chimney this morning, meaning no new pontiff had been selected.

The new pontiff was chosen in an ancient ritual that has remained unchanged for 1,000 years.

The historic event saw 133 cardinals take part in multiple rounds of voting beginning on Wednesday, until a clear winner was decided.

APClergy stand on a rooftop terrace as they wait to see the smoke billow from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel[/caption] APCrowds gather in the Vatican to await the announcement of the new Pope’s identity[/caption]

The swift resolution after just one day keeps with the trend of other recent conclaves, with both those in 2005 and 2013 leading to new popes within a few ballots.

For a pope to be elected they must get two-thirds of the vote with each cardinal’s vote having equal value.

There was much speculation as to who would be the next pope before the conclave began.

The conclave was initiated after the death of Pope Francis at 88 on the morning of Easter Monday, following a battle with pneumonia.

Pope Francis was anointed in 2013 when he took over from Pope Benedict XVI who stepped back from the role due to ill health in an incredibly rare move.