American cardinal Robert Prevost elected pope

The conclave of cardinals in the Sistine Chapel has elected 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope. He took the name Leo XIV.

Prevost is the first pope in history from the United States. He was born in Chicago, served for many years as a missionary and bishop in Peru and holds Peruvian citizenship. Before his election he headed the Dicastery for Bishops.

White smoke appeared over the Sistine Chapel on the second day of the conclave. In his first address to the faithful from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, the new pontiff called for peace and dialogue.

The Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian Catholic community congratulated the new pope.