Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope, being the first American to take the position. White smoke from the Sistine Chapel confirmed the election following the casting of votes by cardinals on the second day of the conclave.
The announcement is a big deal for the Catholic Church, with the new pope to be chosen to guide over 1.4 billion believers globally.
Cardinal Prevost’s election comes after rigorous deliberations by the 133 cardinals, who were isolated in the conclave. The name of the new pope will be officially announced publicly from St. Peter’s Basilica shortly.
