US reacts to first ever American pontiff as Robert Prevost elected

A new pope has been elected in the Vatican after white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel on the second day of conclave in front of a jubilant St Peter's Square.

Cardinals have chosen Robert Prevost to become the 267th Pope, making him the first American to lead the Catholic Church and worshippers across the globe.

He was named Pope Leo XIV on the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica and told crowds assembled in the Vatican, 'may peace be with you' in his first words as pontiff.

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