The first American pope has been elected, and he has ties to Pennsylvania as a Villanova University graduate.

Robert Francis Prevost has been named the new pontiff, becoming the first American to hold the position after a two-day conclave. He will go by the name Pope Leo XIV.

READ MORE |Robert Francis Prevost named first American pope

Pope Leo XIV graduated with a Mathematics degree from Villanova in 1977.

Reaction has poured in from around the country, especially from the Philadelphia area.

White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel's chimney on Thursday just after noon eastern time after just over 24 hours of voting.

Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, earned at least 89 otes from the 133 sequestered cardinals participating in the conclave.

He is the successor of Pope Francis, who died last month at the age of 88.

People from all around the world celebrated in St. Peter's Square, cheering as the top cardinal said the words “Habemus Papam!” meaning “We have a pope!”

Pennsylvania Representative Scott Perry took to social media to congratulate the American elect and share his well wishes.

Senator Dave McCormick also shared his warm wishes.

President Donald Trump also congratulated Pope Leo XIV in a post on Truth Social.

CBS 21 will have team coverage on the historic event tonight at 5 p.m.