CARDINAL Robert Prevost from the US has been elected as Pope after less than 24 hours of secretive voting.

The first-ever American Pope, aged 69, has taken the name Pope Leo XIV.

In his first words, Pope Leo XIV said “Peace be with you.”

The new Pope expressed: “Together, we must strive to be a church that constructs bridges, fosters dialogue, and welcomes everyone,” he states.

Shortly afterwards the pontiff was heard speaking in Spanish, saying: “I would particularly like to say hello to my compatriots from Peru.

“It was a great pleasure for me to work in Peru.”

US President Trump was quick to congratulate the new Pope and said it’s “a great honour” for the US.

Prevost was born in Chicago in 1955 to immigrant parents of French, Italian and Spanish descent.

After earning a degree in mathematics from Villanova University in Pennsylvania, the future Pope joined the Order of St Augustine, taking his vows in 1978.

Ordained as a priest four years ago, he joined a mission in Peru where he spent many years heading up a seminary.

Returning to the US in 1999, he then met controversy when he allowed alleged child abuser Father James Ray to reside at a friary in Chicago.

White smoke erupted from the Vatican at around 5pm as a signal that the new pontiff had been chosen.

The Pope greeted the world for the first time on the balcony in the iconic St Peter’s Basilica overlooking St Peter’s Square.

The newly elected pontiff appeared in papal robes – complete with a white silk sash and skullcap and red leather shoes.

The announcement of the new pope was made as clouds of white smoke or fumata bianca emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, as a bell rang.

Crowds of faithful Catholics erupted with joy and were seen cheering as they patiently waited to find out who the new Pope would be.

It comes after black smoke billowed from the chimney this morning, meaning no new pontiff had been selected.

The new pontiff was chosen in an ancient ritual that has remained unchanged for 1,000 years.

The historic event saw 133 cardinals take part in multiple rounds of voting beginning on Wednesday, until a clear winner was decided.

The quick decision, reached in just one day, aligns with the pattern of recent conclaves, where both the 2005 and 2013 gatherings resulted in new popes after only a few rounds of voting.

For a pope to be elected they must get two-thirds of the vote with each cardinal’s vote having equal value.

There was much speculation as to who would be the next pope before the conclave began.

The conclave was initiated after the death of Pope Francis at 88 on the morning of Easter Monday, following a battle with pneumonia.

Pope Francis was anointed in 2013 when he took over from Pope Benedict XVI who stepped back from the role due to ill health in an incredibly rare move.