Conclave of Cardinals elect Robert Francis Prevost as new Pope, to be known as Pope Leo XIV

Chicago born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the first American Pope in history, according to Vatican News.

American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was chosen by the conclave to be the next pope.

He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

Vatican News reports that 133 red-robed cardinals from around the world cast their ballots to elect the new pontiff.

During the papal conclave, the cardinals were barred from leaving or having any contact with the outside world as they selected the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

United States President, Donald Trump, is among other World leaders who have congratulated the new head of the Catholic Church.