First U.S. pope named, Cardinal Robert Prevost

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The first U.S. pope was named on Thursday, Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago, who will be called Pope Leo XIV.

White smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel chimney at the Vatican on Thursday, signaling the Catholic Church has selected a new pope.

The smoke, then bells ringing in St. Peter’s Square signified the winner secured at least 89 votes of the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, according to the Associated Press.

 The square’s crowd erupted in cheers upon seeing the smoke and hearing the bells. 

The name of new pope will be announced later, when a top cardinal utters the words “Habemus papam!” Latin for “We have a pope!” from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, the wire service also reports. 

The new pope is then expected to make his first public appearance at some point Thursday.

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