John Nwokocha, Abuja, Nigeria
69-year-old Leo XIV has been elected as Pope Francis’ successor.
He was born in Chicago, USA as Robert Prevost.
The new Pope emerged after the white smoke emitted from the Sistine Chapel Chimney on Thursday in the Vatican, in the fourth round of voting by cardinals.
With his election, Leo XIV becomes the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
Addressing the cheering crowd in Italian in his first speech, the new Pope said, “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.” (With Agency Reports)
