U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost elected pope

U.S. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the new Pope and will take the papal name Leo XIV, the Vatican announced on Thursday.

Prevost becomes the first American pontiff in history. His election was confirmed following a conclave of cardinals at the Vatican after the seat became vacant.

The new Pope is expected to address the faithful later today from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.