Cardinals Elect First American Pope As Robert Francis Prevost Becomes Leo XIV

Pilgrims and onlookers cheered when the white smoke appeared (Credit: AFP)

Robert Francis Prevost became Pope Leo XIV on Thursday after cardinals from around the globe chose him as the first American leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

A crowd tens of thousands erupted in prayer and emotion as Leo, successor to the late Francis, appeared on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica to deliver the first address of his ministry.