The 79-year-old Uruguayan, head of the International Swimming Federation (FINA) and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), was elected by acclamation following a recommendation by the PASO Executive Committee. 

He is the first new leader of PASO to be elected since Vázquez Raña succeeded Venezuela's José Beracasa in 1975.

Maglione had the backing of IOC President Thomas Bach and Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah, head of the Association of National Olympic Committees. 

Maglione has promised not to seek the role on a permanent basis when an election is held next year. 

"I am proud to be given this honour and responsibility," Maglione told delegates following his election.

"It never occurred to me that one day I would lead PASO.

"I've been serving this organisation for many years.

"I walked along with Mr Vázquez Raña during his tenure.

I have great respect for him, as I do for all of you. 

"This is a very proud moment of my life. 

Among those who are thought to be considered running for the position are Carlos Nuzman, President of the Brazilian Olympic Committee and head of the Organising Committee for RIo 2016, and Ivar Sisniega, the first vice-president of PASO, who formerly led Mexico's National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport.

Others who could be in the frame are José Joaquín Puello of the Dominican Republic and Richard Peterkin, the IOC member from St Lucia.

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March 2015: Maglione to be proposed as Pan American Sports Organization President until 2016
March 2015: PASO leaders assemble to discuss post-Vázquez Raña era
February 2015: David Owen: How will PASO now move to fill the void left by Vázquez Raña?
February 2015: Tributes for Vázquez Raña flood in as questions loom over long-term successor
February 2015: Mario Vázquez Raña dies aged 82