Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the new pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
He is 69 year old and has adopted the name Leo XIV, he becomes the first American pope in the 2,000 year history of the church.
Prevost previously served as a missionary in Peru for many years before eventually being appointed as an archbishop there.
The election of the new pope was announced through the signal of white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.
Shortly after the white smoke signal, a cardinal appeared on the balcony in St Peter’s Square to announce that the Chicago-born pope had been elected by the Conclave.
Moments later, Pope Leo XIV appeared before the crowd, greeted by thunderous applause and cheers. He said to them“ May peace be with all of you.”
In his inaugural address, the Pope extended a message of peace and divine love to the faithful gathered below.
He paid tribute to his predecessor and briefly spoke in Spanish to show appreciation for his former diocese.
Leo XIV added, “ Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us, and help each other, build bridges.”
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