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  • Robert Prevost, a cardinal from the United States, has been elected as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the first US pontiff and takes the name Leo XIV.
  • In his first speech as pontiff, he said the church should “build bridges” and “welcome everyone”.
  • More than 100 Roman Catholic cardinals meeting in a secret conclave elected the new pope in two days.
  • White smoke appeared from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Thursday, signalling that a conclusive vote was held.
  • The conclave followed the death of Pope Francis in April.