Just one day after the latest conclave began inside the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the College of Cardinals has already selected a new pope.

Previously, the leading contenders were believed to be Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Peter Erdö, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, and Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke.

However, in an unexpected turn, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has now been named as the new leader of the Catholic Church.

Prevost, known for his moderate stance on modern Catholic views, becomes the first pope from the United States, having been born in Chicago.

In keeping with long-standing papal tradition, he has chosen the name Leo, and will henceforth be known as Pope Leo XIV.

The announcement follows the recent death of former Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Sunday (21 April) at the age of 88, after suffering a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.

A nine-day mourning period was observed, during which preparations began to choose the next spiritual leader of the Church.