Robert Prevost elected first-ever American pope

Cardinal Robert Prevostmade his first public appearance as the new pope on Thursday evening, stepping onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica shortly after white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel — the traditional signal that a new pope has been elected.

He succeeds Pope Francis, who formally stepped down earlier this year due to health reasons. As Prevost emerged, tens of thousands of people gathered in St Peter’s Square erupted into cheers. Many applauded and some wept as the new pontiff offered his first blessing. The emotional moment followed hours of anticipation, with people from around the world watching the Vatican chimney for the telltale smoke.