The election of a new pope has begun following the death of Pope Francis last month. The secret conclave of 131 Catholic cardinals are locked in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City until a new pontiff is chosen.

The man who is now known as Leo XIV becomes the 267th Bishop of Rome and the successor to Francis, one of the most liberal and controversial Catholic leaders ever. Leo’s own politics are thought to be more moderate.

More than 100 cardinals gathered to elect Prevost, who took the nam XIV, as the new leader of the Catholic Church, ushering in a transformative era for the religious institution that will be distinct from its direction under the late Pope Francis.

Members of the papal conclave selected the American to serve as the 267th pope. He will take the name Leo XIV. He also has significant ties to the local area as a Villanova University alumnus. Here's more about Pope Leo XIV,

U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Pope Leo on his election to head the Catholic Church on Thursday, and said it "is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope." U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost,