France, May 8 -- Cardinals from across the globe elected Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope, making him the first pontiff from the United States. He has taken the name Pope Leo XIV.

Tens of thousands gathered in St Peter's Square erupted in cheers as Prevost appeared on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, smiling warmly, waving with both hands, and bowing to the assembled crowd.

"Peace be with you," he declared, offering his first words as pope.

White smoke from Sistine Chapel

White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in the early evening on the second day of voting, signalling his election in the secret conclave. Simultaneously, the bells of St Peter's Basilica and churches throughout Rome rang out in celebrat...