First American announced as New Pope: Robert Francis Prevost will take the name Pope Leo XIV

ABC NEWS– The First American has been elected as pope. Robert Francis Prevost, the American Cardinal elected as Pope, will take the name Pope Leo XIV.

The American cardinal Robert Prevost stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church Thursday.

Shortly after Noon in the U.S. , 6pm at the Vatican, white smoke could be seen coming out of the Sistine Chapel chimney. The white smoke signaling a pope had been elected.

That means the winner secured at least 89 votes of the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis. The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers.

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