Tens of thousands of people gathered to watch the smokestack atop the Sistine Chapel jumped in joy when white smoke poured out in the evening of Thursday evening.

They cheered again when the doors to the balcony of St Peters Basilica were opened, and again when Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost name was announced.

Cardinal Prevost was elected in a surprise choice to be the new leader of Roman Catholic Church on Thursday.

The choice of Cardinal Prevost was announced by French cardinal Dominique Mamberti

Cardinal Prevost, a long-time missionary in Latin America , became the first U.S. pope and taking the name Leo XIV

Since the election of Pope Leo XIV, congratulations have poured in from around the world after the secret conclave, lasting two days.

The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops MCCB has welcomed the election Pope Leo XIV.

MCCB Secretary General Very Reverend Father Valeriano Mtseka said the election of an American pope is significant and a moment of joy for the local church and beyond.

Father Mtseka said the election of the first ever pontiff from America is a moment of great joy.

Malawi Leader Lazarus Chakwera and the First Lady Monica Chakwera have also congratulated the American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on being elected the new Pope of the Catholic Church.

In a statement, President Chakwera said Malawi offers its continued spiritual solidarity and prayerful support for Pope Leo XIV.

Chakwera said Malawi will offer support to Pope Leo XIV as he leads the universal church.

The 69-year-old Chicago-born Pope in his first public words as pope, said: "May peace be with all of you”

He is to lead the world's 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.