Cardinal Prevost elected Pope – name: Leo XIV

He calls himself Leo XIV: Cardinal Francis Prevost is the new Pope. Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced the newly elected head of the Church on Thursday evening in the main loggia of St Peter's Basilica with the words "Habemus papam". Previously, white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel had announced a decision in the fourth ballot.

Leo XIV is the 267th pontiff in church history and succeeds Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. A two-thirds majority, i.e. at least 89 votes of the 133 participating cardinals, was required for the election. The conclave began late on Wednesday afternoon. (mal)