After two days of deliberation, the new pope and head of the Catholic Church has been officially named.
The conclave has selected Pope Francis’ successor after its secretive meeting concluded within just two days of the election process.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69 years old, has been announced as the new pope, taking the papal name of Pope Leo XIV. The historic declaration was made from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Leo XIV, originally from Chicago, is the first American to hold the papacy.
He served as the Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023, and was the general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.
The new pontiff assumes the role following the death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who passed away on Easter Monday at 88 due to a stroke, after leading the Catholic Church for 12 years.
Following the traditional nine days of mourning, questions arose about the next leader of the Vatican, with eight cardinals identified as potential successors.
The College of Cardinals, including the Catholic church’s senior figures appointed by the late pope, gathered in Rome to undertake the significant task of selecting the next pope.
While over 240 cardinals exist globally, the number of electors for the pope is typically limited to 120, with voting rights restricted to cardinals under the age of 80.
This year, Al Jazeera reported 138 eligible voters participated.
Under strict secrecy, the papal conclave convened beneath Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, locking the doors and swearing an oath of confidentiality.
Prohibited from communicating with the outside world, they resided in St Martha’s house for meals and rest.
They were not allowed to have mobile phones, letters, or newspapers.
The clergy voted up to four times daily for two days. A candidate needs a two-thirds majority to be elected as the new pope.
The conclave ceremoniously burns the ballot cards with chemicals to signal their decision to the world, with smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney indicating progress.
Initially, black smoke was observed, but earlier today, white smoke emerged, signifying a decision had been reached.
The outcome led to applause among those gathered in St Peter’s Square as bells rang to confirm the announcement.
Pope Leo XIV is now the 267th pope, serving as the religious leader for Catholics worldwide, believed to be the successor to St Peter, the first pope.
The longest papal conclave occurred in 1268, taking two years and eight months to conclude.
Upon selection, the newly elected pope is asked to accept the role and chooses a pontifical name, which in this instance is Pope Leo XIV.