The 267th Pope elected by the Roman Catholic conclave on Wednesday in the Vatican is Cardinal Robert Prevost, as announced from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica. The new pope has chosen the name Leo XIV and is the first American pontiff in history.

Cardinal Robert Prevost is a Chicago-born prelate with views close to Pope Francis who spent many years as a missionary in Peru before being elected head of the Augustinians for two consecutive terms.

Speaking in Italian from the Saint Peter’s Basilica balcony, the new Pope said, “Peace be with all of you. Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you.”

The new pope also called on people to “show our charity” to others “and be in dialog with love,” according to an English translation.

FILE – New Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, stands for a portrait at the end of the consistory where Pope Francis elevated 21 new cardinals in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca, File)

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) in 1977 and made his solemn vows in 1981.

White smoke has risen above the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, as the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church have chosen a new pope on the second day of the conclave in the 4th round of voting. The details (identity and the name the new pontiff will choose) are expected to be revealed soon.

Bells are ringing at St. Peter’s Square, which is filled with thousands of people waiting to see which cardinal who entered the conclave on Wednesday has come out a pontiff after being elected the 267th Pope. According to tradition, a cardinal is soon expected to declare “Habemus papam,” a phrase meaning, “We have a Pope.”

The same cardinal will then reveal the name the new pope has chosen from the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and the identity of the cardinal elected as the new pontiff.

Accepting a new name marks a new stage in life — an entry into a different role and community. According to the Sioux Falls Bishop’s Bulletin, the tradition dates back to 533, when a man named Mercurius was elected pope.

This is a developing story.