Chicago-born Robert Prevost, 69, was confirmed as the successor to the late Pope Francis on Thursday, when plumes of white smoke billowed out from the Sistine Chapel's chimney — the traditional sign that the conclave of cardinals has chosen a new pope. After his historic election, tens of thousands of well-wishers gathered in the Vatican on Thursday evening as Leo XIV appeared on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica to deliver a speech in English, Spanish and Italian. DW's religious affairs