The 133 cardinal electors inside the Sistine Chapel chose Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the successor to Pope Francis today after the second day of the conclave. Prevost is the first American to ever be elected pope.

Here's what we know.

Prevost , 69, was born and studied in Chicago, receiving a degree in Theology at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago. The polyglot served and got naturalized citizenship in Peru and was one of only 10 American cardinal electors deliberating in the Sistine Chapel.

He was brought to the Vatican by Francis in 2023 and was twice elected the leader of the Augustinian religious order.

He will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.

The term conclave refers to a private meeting or secret assembly, especially a meeting of Roman Catholic cardinals secluded continuously while choosing a pope, according to Merriam-Webster.

In the most recent papal conclave, which began May 7, cardinals from 70 countries were sequestered and took an oath of secrecy to elect the next pope.

White smoke came from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday, May 8. It means a new pope has been elected.

Black smoke, which was seen previously in the process, means a decision has not been reached.

CONTRIBUTING: IndyStar reporter Katie Wiseman; and USA TODAY reporters Jorge L. Ortiz, John Bacon and Kim Hjelmgaard.