Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected Thursday as the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
This means the winner secured at least 89 votes of the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis. The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers and has continued to chant “Viva il papa!” as they wait in anticipation.