Prevost, 69, was considered a contender for the papacy but was largely overlooked by many bettors and experts in favor of other cardinals, including Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle.

Former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States was selected Thursday by the papal conclave to succeed Pope Francis and lead the Roman Catholic Church. The new pontiff, who has taken the name Leo XIV,

Pope Francis stepped down after a long period of ill health, leaving the Catholic Church to select a new leader. In a surprising turn of events, the conclave of cardinals chose Cardinal Robert Prevost,