Goa, May 8 -- This is a major development from Vatican City as the papal conclave has concluded. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, hailing from the United States, has been elected as the new Pope, taking the papal name Leo XIV. His election comes as a surprise, marking him as the first American Pope in history.

The announcement was made approximately 70 minutes after white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square that the 133 cardinal electors had chosen a new leader for the global Catholic community, which has over 1.4 billion members.

As tradition dictates, French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti proclaimed "Habemus Papam" (We have a Pope), revealing the n...