Pope Leo XIV updates: Pope rejects 'war of words,' applauds journalists
Pope Leo XIV was elected as the Catholic Church's 267th leader on Thursday.
The temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke on Thursday evening local time, signaling that the 133 cardinals working inside had reached a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope for the Catholic Church.
American Cardinal Robert Prevost was shortly thereafter announced as the 267th pontiff. He chose the name Leo XIV, a senior cardinal deacon announced.
The 69-year-old Chicago native is the first American pope and is seen as a diplomat in the church.
On Sunday, the new pope called for an end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Tune in to "The American Pope: Leo XIV," a special edition of "20/20," streaming now on Hulu and Disney+.
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Leo prays at Francis' tomb
On his way back to the Vatican, Leo stopped by the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and prayed before the tomb of Pope Francis, according to the Vatican press office.
He also prayed at the icon of the Virgin, Salus Populi Romani, that is the same icon Pope Francis used to visit before and after every foreign visit and in other occasions.
-ABC News' Phoebe Natanson