Argentina's Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected the new pope to lead the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics. He has chose the name Pope Francis. He was elected after five rounds of voting.

The 76-year-old from Buenos Aires is the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to become pope. He will be installed officially in an inauguration Mass on Tuesday. Pope Francis replaces Benedict XVI, who resigned last month at the age of 85.

Pope Francis emerged as a surpise choice as he was not among the small group of frontrunners identified before the election. Pope Francis greeted crowds in St Peter's Square in Rome after his election last night.

Appearing on a balcony over the square, he asked the faithful to pray for him. Cheers erupted as he gave a blessing. An hour earlier, white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney announced the new Pope's election.

US President Barack Obama sent warm wishes on behalf of the American people to the newly elected pontiff. Other world leaders are also sending their wishes.