Cardinal Robert Francis, a 69 year old American, has emerged as the 267th Pope.

He is a Prevost of the United States.

In his first comments in Italian, Pope Leo XIV says he wants this message of peace to “enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are.”

Paying tribute to Pope Francis, he urges faithful to “move forward, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other.”

He also thanks fellow cardinals for choosing him for the role.

The moderate, Chicago-born cardinal was given senior roles by Pope Francis, and has significant missionary experience in Peru having served as bishop of the northern city of Chiclayo.

He was elected on the second day of conclave, securing a majority of votes among 133 cardinal electors.

White smoke rises from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a new pope has been elected at the Vatican.

President Donald Trump said he was “surprised” and called it a “great honor” to have an American pope. He added that he is “happy” with the choice when speaking with reporters.

JB Pritzker, the governor of Illinois, the US state where Pope Leo XIV was born, welcomed the new pope in a social media post.

“A historic moment as we witness the first American leading the Catholic Church,” he wrote. “Hailing from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV ushers in a new chapter that I join those in our state welcoming in at a time when we need compassion, unity, and peace.”

Additional information from The Guardian