Robert Prevost, American cardinal, is the new Pope of the Catholic Church.

In a day filled with expectation and symbolism, the Vatican confirmed this Thursday the election of a new Pope, following the white smoke that emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, marking the end of the conclave initiated after the passing of Francis.

The traditional white smoke signal, indicating that the necessary consensus among the electing cardinals has been reached, occurred on the second day of deliberations, after the first two morning ballots did not yield a conclusive result.

The new Pope was announced

Robert Prevost, an American cardinal, was elected the new Pope of the Catholic Church: he will be called Leo XIV

Cardinal Dominique Mamberti will announce the new Pope

The French cardinal, with an extensive career in Vatican diplomacy and a figure close to the late Francis, will be responsible for announcing the traditional “Habemus papam” from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.

Awaiting the new Pope

With 133 cardinals gathered since Tuesday, the conclave was conducted under the strict secrecy imposed by the Holy See. The official announcement of the new pontiff is expected in the coming minutes, when the protodeacon of the College of Cardinals pronounces the historic “Habemus Papam” from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and reveals the name of the chosen one.

Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, following the millennial tradition that makes this event one of the most anticipated and moving in the Vatican calendar.  The new Pope will present himself to the world to give his first “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, which means “to the city and the world.”

Global expectation and speculations

It has not yet been disclosed who was chosen, although in recent hours the names of several African and Latin American cardinals have gained strength, in line with speculations about a possible shift in the geographical axis within the Church.