American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was announced as the new pope and leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday. The new pontiff will take the name Leo XIV.

The new pope was born in Chicago and was a close aide to the late Pope Francis. He is known within Vatican government circles as a moderate figure capable of reconciling divergent viewpoints.

"A great honor"

For his part, US President Donald Trump said that the election of an American pope to the Vatican for the first time was a "great honor."

He wrote on Truth Social, "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has just been elected Pope. It is a great honor to know that he is the first American Pope. What a wonderful feeling, and what great pride for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV."

White smoke... and bells ringing

Earlier today, the chimney above the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican released white smoke, signaling the success of the selection of the Catholic Church's new pope, in a second round of voting by the 133 cardinal electors who have been convened in a conclave since Wednesday.

Shortly after white smoke rose from the chimney mounted on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, the bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang out, while the crowds continued to cheer and applaud enthusiastically.

The new Pope was elected following a voting process that was open to all possibilities due to the record number of cardinals participating.

A two-thirds majority unanimously approved his name, meaning he received at least 89 votes. However, due to the absolute secrecy surrounding the closed congress, details of the electoral process are not being disclosed.

The new pope will succeed the late Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88, concluding a 12-year pontificate.