New Pope elected as white smoke rises from Sistine Chapel

Cardinal Prevost from Chicago, who will take the name Pope Leo XIV, came out onto the balcony around an hour later to greet the crowds.

The name of the 267th Pope was revealed by cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who appeared at the balcony of St Peter's Basilica to announce "Habemus Papam".

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The new man was elected in the fourth round of voting, like Pope Benedict XVI on April 19, 2005.

Some 133 cardinals entered the chapel on Wednesday afternoon, with the secret conclave meeting getting under way behind closed doors shortly before 5pm UK time, as the group were cut off from all communications with the outside world.

The 267th Pope is just the fifth since 1900 to be elected in two days of conclave, following Benedict XVI, Pio XII, Giovanni Paolo I, and Francesco.

Around 45,000 people were in piazza San Pietro as the smoke went up, having travelled from across the globe.

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost arrives on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time (Image: Alberto Pizzoli/Getty Images) By the time the new Pope emerged there were around 100,000 people present, crowds having flocked to St Peter's Basilica in the wake of the news.

Pope Leo XIV, 69, is the first American Pope in history.

He spent time working in Peru from 1985 to 1986 and from 1988 to 1998, and was made a cardinal in 2023.

His predecessor, Pope Francis, appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in the same year, making him a leading candidate at the conclave.

He considers himself "quite the amateur tennis player", having played extensively during his time in Peru.

US President Donald Trump said he will “look forward to meeting” Pope Leo XIV in a post on his Truth Social platform.

He said: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.

“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

Newly elected Pope Leone XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican (Image: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Christine Allen, director and chief executive of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development said: “Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, will be a voice of wisdom in a fractured and divided world, as he continues the important work of leading the church in the world and providing spiritual and moral guidance to the global community.

“Having spent years in Peru, Pope Leo XIV, brings with him the vital perspective of the Global South, elevating voices from the margins to centre stage.

“Now more than ever the world needs a strong and steadfast moral voice that can draw attention to the most important issues in our world: the crippling debt crisis – a key focus of this Jubilee Year – which prevents low-income countries from spending on health and education for their people; the climate crisis and the conflicts blighting our world.

“This election reflected a global Church, with cardinals from every corner of the world voting – bringing a broader outlook to addressing today’s global issues.

“Saint Pope John Paul II, and Popes Benedict and Francis all spoke powerfully on climate change and the debt crisis as two of the most pressing issues of their time, and we look forward to working with the Vatican and Pope Leo XIV, to continue and strengthen this work in response to today’s challenges.

“The Pope is the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics, and an important player on the global stage. He is one of the few people who can bridge political divides and bring world leaders together for the common good.

“He will be in our prayers.”

SCIAF’s Chief Executive Lorraine Currie said: “As the first Pope from the US and with extensive experience working and living in Latin America, we know Pope Leo XIV will bring a unique global perspective to his papacy. Known as a humble servant who believes in walking closely with those who are suffering, the new Pope’s emphasis on bridge-building and social justice signal a hopeful new chapter for the church and the world. 

“We look forward to working alongside the Holy Father in his mission to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world and uphold the dignity of the poorest and most vulnerable. 

“Any Pope quickly becomes a major historical figure. We hope that Pope Leo’s era will be marked by peace, justice and the building of a better world for all.”