Robert Francis Prevost announced as new pope as he makes first public appearance since being elected

It's been one day since a new conclave kicked off in Rome's Sistine Chapel, and already, the College of Cardinals have selected a new pope.

The most likely candidates were previously announced as Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Peter Erdö, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke.

In a shock twist of fate, however, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has now been revealed as the new Head of the Catholic Church.

Prevost - who is considered a moderate when it comes to 21st century Catholic beliefs - is the first pope to hail from the US, having been born in Chicago.

He has chosen the name Leo, as per a long-standing papal tradition. Therefore, he'll be known as Pope Leo XIV.

A decision was made the day after a new conclave began (Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The news follows the passing of former pontiff, Pope Francis, who died on Easter Sunday (21 April) aged 88, after suffering from a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.

Nine days of mourning were subsequently announced, whilst preparations were made for a new Head of the Catholic Church to be selected.

Just over 24 hours since the new papal election began, and the College of Cardinals have landed upon a successor for Pope Francis.

Prior to ascending to the ultimate position of religious power, the new pope has to attain a two-third majority vote during a conclave, which sees 133 cardinals from across the globe anonymously pen their preference.

Throughout the duration of this period, the cardinals reside in the Casa de Santa Marta, a minimal, five-storey accommodation located close to St Peter's Basilica, where their contact with the outside world is cut off entirely.

As well as phones, these religious leaders aren't permitted access to newspapers, so as not to have their vote influenced by news and current affairs. As such, phones and newspapers are banned.

As tradition tells us, this process sees the College of Cardinals voting four times a day until a decision is made, being experts can never be certain how long a conclave will last.

The new pope received a two-thirds majority (ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images)

This year, however, the election has proven to be rather speedy, with church representatives having made a decision on Day Two.

After new popes are selected, the chosen candidate must firstly accept the responsibilities that come with the prestigious position.

If they do so - as in Prevost's case - a cardinal will then announce from the church's balcony, 'Habemus papam', a phrase that means, 'We have a Pope.'