A new Pope was elected by the Papal Conclave yesterday (8), naming Pope Leo XIV - previously Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago, U.S. - the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic church. 

This new Pontiff - who is also the first Pope coming from North America - was announced to the world with white smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, as per tradition. Later, the 69-year-old Pope addressed the faithful gathered at the St. Peter’s Square. 

Pope Leo XIV was known for his missionary work in the South Americas, particularly in Peru, where he served as a Bishop. He also bears dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru. 

The election of a new Pope bears significant changes to the Catholic church. Accordingly, he is also expected to build on late Pope Francis’s reforms, while ushering in new changes to this world.