Photos Show Joyous Vatican Scenes as Pope Leo Is Announced

Soon after the successful vote took place, Cardinal Dominique François Joseph Mamberti emerged on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square and announced that Prevost, a Chicago native, had been selected as the new Pope. Prevost is the first American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church. He has taken the name Leo XIV.

The crowd outside the Vatican cheered loudly upon hearing the news.

Below is a selection of the best photographs from the celebration, chosen by TIME’s photo editors.