Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the 267th pope and the first from the United States, taking the papal name Leo XIV.

Jubilant crowds filled St Peter’s Square on Thursday as white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signalling his election. Church bells rang out across Rome as thousands rushed to the square to witness the moment.

“Peace be with you,” the new pope greeted the faithful from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, smiling and waving.

Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, the Argentine reformer who died last month at 88 after a transformative 12-year papacy.

The conclave, made up of 133 cardinals from across five continents, is the most international in Church history. Although voting details remain secret, the election was completed in less than two days, aligning with recent precedent.

The crowd’s reaction was euphoric. “It’s an amazing feeling,” said Joseph Brian, a Northern Irish tourist. “Being here among so many people is simply overwhelming.”

Observers say Pope Leo XIV faces an immense challenge: unifying a divided Church and navigating its response to global conflicts, declining congregations in the West, and the enduring impact of the clergy sexual abuse scandal.

The papal inauguration is expected within the week and will include a traditional mass and the new pontiff’s first “Urbi et Orbi” blessing.