American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became pope on Thursday, taking the name Leo XIV.
He became the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.
French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti made the announcement from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
"Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus papam! (I bring you great joy: We have a Pope!)” said the cardinal, who also announced the name of the cardinal elected head of the Catholic Church and the name of his chosen pontiff.
RF Provost, 69, a native of Chicago, is the first pope from the United States.
He worked as a missionary in Peru for many years and is Archbishop Emeritus of Chiclayo in this South American country.
The man, who was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, is also the president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
He was greeted with joy by tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square, and when he appeared on the balcony, there was thunderous applause.
He addressed the faithful in Italian and Spanish.
Leo XIV waved to the crowd, smiled, and bowed.
Appearing for the first time on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the new pope wished for peace.
“Peace be with you,” Leo XIV said to the faithful.
He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, saying he wanted to give his blessing to the people, as Pope Francis did in his final appearance in St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.
"Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to reach God and his love. Help us and help each other build bridges," said Leo XIV.
Smoke appeared from the Sistine Chapel chimney shortly after 18 p.m. local time (19 p.m. Lithuanian time).
