Robert Francis Prevost is 1st American pope, takes the name Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope on May 8 (Vatican City time) after two days of conclave.

Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old is the first American pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church.

He takes the name Leo XIV.

@mothershipsg Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope on the second day of the conclave. Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old is the first American pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church. He will be taking the name Leo XIV. Stepping out onto the balcony at the Vatican, he was greeted by huge cheers from thousands gathered below. He addressed the crowd in Italian and Spanish, paying tribute to his predecessor Pope Francis, and conveying the message of peace and unity. #fyp #conclave #pope #vatican #news ♬ original sound - Mothership

First remarks as Pope Leo XIV

Stepping out onto the balcony of St Peter's Basilica about an hour after white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, the newly elected pope was greeted by huge cheers from thousands gathered below.

Addressing the crowd for the first time as Pope Leo XIV, he spoke in Italian before switching to Spanish.

In his remarks, he paid tribute to his predecessor, urging the faithful to remember the late Pope Francis' legacy.

He then thanked the cardinals for electing him as the new head of the Catholic Church, before spreading the message of peace and unity.

He called for the Church to be one that "builds bridges" and engages in dialogue.

@mothershipsg Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. In his speech, which he delivered from St. Peter's Basilica balcony, he called for the Church to “build bridges” and offered blessings of peace. #fyp #news ♬ original sound - Mothership

Spent much of his career as a missionary in Peru

The new pope also took some time to address his "beloved diocese" in Peru.

Pope Leo XIV was 30 when he moved to Peru as part of an Augustinian mission, although he went back to the U.S. regularly to serve as a pastor.

He spent a decade as a local parish pastor and teacher at a seminary in Trujillo, before becoming a Peruvian citizen in 2015.

He served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023, and was subsequently made a cardinal in 2023 by Pope Francis.

Top image via AFP.