American cardinal Robert Prevost announced as Pope Leo XIV

His election means he will become the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost stands on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time. Picture: TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images

American cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been unveiled as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church and the successor to Pope Francis. His papal name will be Leone, or Leo, XIV.  

White smoke was seen atop the Sistine Chapel at around 5.10pm this evening, indicating that a successor to Pope Francis had been chosen by the 133 cardinals of the papal conclave.