American Cardinal Robert Prevost elected new pope, will take the name Pope Leo XIV | Live updates

VATICAN CITY — Robert Prevost of the United States has been named the new pope, the new head of the Catholic church.

Cardinals gathered to select their latest leader during a conclave.

White smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel chimney Thursday at 6:07 p.m. local time, signaling that a pontiff had been elected to lead the Catholic Church.

(The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report.)