The identity of the new pope has been revealed as US-born Robert Francis Prevost. His papal name will be Leone XIV.

The pontiff is the 267th Pope, becoming the religious leader of Catholics across the globe and someone believed to be called to be the successor to St Peter, who was the first.

The new Pope was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, he has served as a missionary, bishop, and high-ranking official within the Catholic Church.

He was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023 by Pope Francis, placing him in charge of overseeing the appointment of bishops worldwide. Prior to this role, he served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru and held leadership positions within his religious order. Cardinal Prevost is known for his pastoral experience, international background, and alignment with Pope Francis’s vision for the Church.