In pictures: Pope Leo XIV elected

6:32 am today

This photo taken and handout on May 7, 2025 by The Vatican Media shows Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost addressing the crowd from the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican. (Photo by Handout / VATICAN MEDIA / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / VATICAN MEDIA" - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost addressing the crowd from the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time. Photo: Handout via AFP

After white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney Friday morning, 40,000 people gathered in Saint Peter's Square to witness a history.

US Cardinal Robert Prevost was announced as the newly elected pope, he has chosen to go by the name Pope Leo XIV.

This photograph shows white smoke rising from the chinmey of the Sistine Chapel signaling that cardinals elected a new pope during their conclave in the Vatican on 8 May, 2025.

White smoke signals a new pope has been chosen. Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI / AFP

French cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti (C) announces the name of the new pope from the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica. Photo: AFP

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost arrives on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025. Robert Francis Prevost was on Thursday elected the first pope from the United States, the Vatican announced. A moderate who was close to Pope Francis and spent years as a missionary in Peru, he becomes the Catholic Church's 267th pontiff, taking the papal name Leo XIV. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)

Photo: AFP

Nuns listen to newly elected Pope Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, address the crowd from the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time. Photo: AFP / Dimitar Dilkoff

People listen to newly elected Pope Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, addresses the crowd from the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time. Photo: AFP / Dimitar Dilkoff

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost addresses the crowd from the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025. Robert Francis Prevost was on Thursday elected the first pope from the United States, the Vatican announced. A moderate who was close to Pope Francis and spent years as a missionary in Peru, he becomes the Catholic Church's 267th pontiff, taking the papal name Leo XIV. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP)

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost addresses the crowd from the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time. Photo: AFFP / Tiziana Fabi

People gather at Saint Peter's Square after white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel signalling that cardinals elected a new pope during their secret conclave. Photo: AFP / Jeff Pachoud

Cardinals react from a balcony of the St Peter's Basilica, as the new pope makes his first appearance after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025. Robert Francis Prevost was on Thursday elected the first pope from the United States, the Vatican announced. A moderate who was close to Pope Francis and spent years as a missionary in Peru, he becomes the Catholic Church's 267th pontiff, taking the papal name Leo XIV. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP)

Cardinals react from a balcony of the St Peter's Basilica, as the new pope makes his first appearance after the cardinals ended the conclave. Photo: AFP / Andrej Isakovic

People watch a large screen as newly elected Pope Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, addresses the crowd from the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025. Robert Francis Prevost was on May 8, 2025 elected the first pope from the United States, the Vatican announced. A moderate who was close to Pope Francis and spent years as a missionary in Peru, he becomes the Catholic Church's 267th pontiff, taking the papal name Leo XIV. (Photo by Stefano Rellandini / AFP)

Photo: AFP

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost addresses the crowd on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025. Robert Francis Prevost was on Thursday elected the first pope from the United States, the Vatican announced. A moderate who was close to Pope Francis and spent years as a missionary in Peru, he becomes the Catholic Church's 267th pontiff, taking the papal name Leo XIV. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP)

Photo: AFP

People listen to newly elected Pope Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV. Photo: AFP / Dimitar Dilkoff

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost addressing the crowd from the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time. Photo: AFP / handout