Pope Leo XIV has celebrated his first Mass as the leader of the Catholic Church while congratulatory messages poured in for making history as the first American-born pontiff.
In the Sistine Chapel, where less than 24 hours earlier the gathered cardinals had elected him, Pope Leo said he had been “called to carry the cross”.
Delivering his first homily as Pope in English and Italian, Pope Leo also said the Church must light “the dark nights of this world” and warned against choosing “technology, money, success, power or pleasure” over Christian faith.
The 69-year-old former Robert Prevost was chosen to be the 267th pope by the Conclave on Thursday after more than two-thirds of the cardinals voted for him to succeed the late Pope Francis.
The pope prayed for peace in his first official remarks, but his words come against a backdrop of deadly wars, a long shadow of abuse within the church he now leads, and chaos and division at home under the Trump administration.
President Donald Trump celebrated the Chicago-born cardinal's papacy as a “great honour for our country,” but MAGA provocateurs have declared he is “anti-Trump”.
Read More
Key Points
- Church must light 'the dark nights of this world'
- Watch: Leo XIV addresses cardinals in first Mass as Pope
- World leaders congratulate Pope Leo
- The moment Robert Prevost is declared Pope Leo XIV
- MAGA melts down over ‘WOKE MARXIST POPE’ who is a ‘Never Trumper liberal’
Is Pope Leo XIV a Chicago White Sox or Chicago Cubs fan?
18:40
,
Mike Bedigan
As Chicago-native Robert Francis Prevost walked out on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, sports fans in unison had one question.
James Liddell answers the all-important question: Does the American Pope root for the Chicago Cubs or the Chicago White Sox?
Watch: Cardinal Dolan jokes New Yorkers need to take it easy on Chicago's Pope Leo
18:20
,
Mike Bedigan
Pope Leo spent first night as pontiff in his old apartment
18:00
,
Mike Bedigan
Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, chose to spend his first night as pontiff at his old residence, in a sign he may break with tradition.
Leo spent Thursday night in the Sant’Uffizio Palace, and not the Apostolic Palace where popes traditionally reside, Vatican news reported.
Francis chose to live in an apartment in the Santa Maria guest house.
In his first hours as pope, Leo went back to his old apartment to see colleagues, according to selfies posted to social media.
Vatican Media also showed him praying in the moments after his election before emerging on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet Rome and the world.
Watch: New York cardinal says his family are thankful he's not the new pope
17:40
,
Mike Bedigan
What will Trump’s relationship be like with the new pope?
17:20
,
Rachel Clun
A Vatican expert predicts a potentially challenging dynamic between the newly elected Pope Leo XIV and US President Donald Trump.
While President Trump expressed excitement and honour at an American leading the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church, the Pope's past social media activity suggests potential friction.
But UK theologian Professor Anna Rowlands, who met Pope Leo XIV hours after his election, believes the new pontiff will navigate these complexities with a balance of diplomacy and conviction.
Read more below:
Vatican confirms more of Pope Leo XIV’s commitments
17:00
,
Mike Bedigan
The Vatican has confirmed more of Leo XIV’s commitments, per The Associated Press:
- Saturday, he meets with the Cardinals
- Sunday, he is set to deliver his first noon blessing from the loggia
- Monday, he has an audience with the media
- Friday May 16, he meets with global diplomats
- Sunday May 18, he celebrates his first Mass at St. Peter’s Square
- Wednesday May 21, he holds his first general audience
The new Pope has also been invited to travel to Turkey at the end of May to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea – a landmark event in Christian history and an important moment in Catholic-Orthodox relations.
Dolan hopes New Yorkers will not have a 'grudge' against Pope because he's from Chicago
16:40
,
Mike Bedigan
Cardinal Timothy Dolan has said he does not want New York Catholics holding “a grudge” against the new Pope because he is from Chicago.
Robert Prevost, who was elected as Pope Leo XIV, on Thursday, grew up on the city’s south side.
“I just hope that you all in New York don’t have a grudge against Pope Leo because he’s from Chicago, we need to get that out of the way,” Dolan, who is the Archbishop of New York, said in a video on Friday.
“What’s beautiful about it is the very fact that... I mean, we, the people of the United States are proud.”
He added: “At least nobody’s ever going to ask me ‘do you think there’s going to be an American pope?’ Well we got one!”
Dolan also pointed out that technically there had already been a Pope from “the Americas” in Leo’s predecessor Pope Francis.
One day after Pope Leo XIV was elected, @CardinalDolan speaks to The Good Newsroom audiences from the North American College.
— The Good Newsroom (@thegnewsroom) May 9, 2025
Watch the video here: https://t.co/3XWfWHJ1z4 pic.twitter.com/gk4zBi3joV
Cardinal Dolan says Robert Prevost will be a 'darn good pope'
16:20
,
Mike Bedigan
In a video posted to his social media, American cardinal Timothy Dolan said his compatriot Robert Prevost would be a “darn good pope.”
“We have a pope, and I'm just so honored as as as a priest, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, as a child of God, as a faithful Catholic, I hope, as a priest, Bishop and Cardinal, to have been a big part of it. And I think you're all excited too,” he said.
“It's a great moment of exhilaration and hope and promise for the church. And I just hope you sense that.
“We have a pope... and take my word for it, he's a darn good one.”
Dolan said he would be staying in Rome for the inauguration of Prevost – who will be known as Pope Leo XIV – before returning to New York.
“I miss you but I appreciate your prayers and your solidarity,” he said.
Cardinal Dolan says his family is 'glad' he's not Pope
16:05
,
Mike Bedigan
American Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who participated in the papal conclave that elected his fellow American Robert Prevost as pope, says his family is “glad” he was not chosen as pontiff.
In a video posted online, Dolan said his nephew – who was born on the day Pope Francis had been selected – said that his whole family had been “crying and cheering” at the news.
“[He said] ‘I'm glad you're not Pope, because we want you to come back home’,” Dolan said.
“I'm kind of glad for the church that I'm that I'm not Pope either, but it's a great it's a great moment of exhilaration and hope and promise for the church,” he added.
Pope Leo will want to build bridges with Trump, Cardinal says
15:44
,
Rachel Clun
American Cardinal Timothy Dolan says Pope Leo XIV will ‘want to build bridges to Donald Trump’.
“We would look to Pope Leo as a bridge builder. That's what the Latin word pontiff means,” he said.
“He's a bridge builder. He want to build bridges to Donald Trump, I suppose, but he would want to build bridges with the leader of every nation.”
Pope Leo XIV has already been criticised by Maga commentators as a “WOKE MARXIST POPE”, and the Pope had previously shared social media posts critical of the US President.
American Cardinals how Robert Prevost talked to colleagues ahead of and during conclave
15:40
,
Rachel Clun
American Cardinals are detailing how Chicago-born Robert Prevost was elected as Pope on Thursday.
Asked by a reporter whether Cardinal Prevost had said anything that might have affected the conclave’s decision, Cardinal Wilton Gregory said he spoke well in small groups as well as to the general congregation.
“He engaged quite effectively in the smaller group conversations,” he said.
“There were many other cardinals who were not voters our senior brothers, who are also participants in the congregations. But a lot of dialogue occurred at meal time, coffee break, those moments when you can engage one another in smaller groups.”
Cardinal Gregory, who was Archbishop of Washington from 2019 to 2025, continued: “I did, on one occasion, talk to Cardinal Prevost, and we talked about Chicago, of course, but it wasn't that he got up and made this overwhelmingly convincing speech that just wowed the body.”
Meetings with diplomats and first public mass: Pope Leo’s agenda for coming days
15:33
,
Rachel Clun
The Vatican have released the details of the new Pope’s official engagements over the coming 10 days.
Tomorrow, he meets with the cardinals, and on Sunday he will recite the Regina Caeli prayer from the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica - his second public appearance from the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square.
On Monday, he will meet accredited world press, and then on Friday he will meet the Heads of Mission of the diplomatic corps.
His next public event will be on Sunday 18 May, when he delivers a mass marking the beginning of his pontificate in St Peter’s Square, and his first general audience will follow on 21 May.
Former protégé describes the new American leader of the Catholic Church
15:18
,
Rachel Clun
Father Rob Hagan had always referred to him as “Bob”.
Now, he said, “referring to him as Pope Leo XIV is just an honour.”
In an interview with The Independent, Fr Hagan said Pope Leo was “incredibly bright” and speaks several languages, but he was also a kind person.
“He has a real approachability and warmth, a twinkle in his eye, he’s really a gift to the church and to the world.”
Read the full interview below:
Pope warns against choosing technology and power over faith
15:03
,
Rachel Clun
In his first homily as Pope earlier today, Pope Leo XIV warned against choosing “technology, money, success, power or pleasure” over Christian faith, and said it was one of the reasons it was ever more important to carry out the work of the Church.
Here’s more of what he said in his first Mass:
Even today, there are many settings in which the Christian faith is considered absurd, meant for the weak and unintelligent. Settings where other securities are preferred, like technology, money, success, power, or pleasure.
These are contexts where it is not easy to preach the Gospel and bear witness to its truth, where believers are mocked, opposed, despised or at best tolerated and pitied.
Yet, precisely for this reason, they are the places where our missionary outreach is desperately needed. A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society.
Peru filled with 'pride and hope' after election of Pope Leo
14:52
,
Rachel Clun
Peru’s president Dina Boluarte says the country is filled with “pride and hope” after Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as Pope.
The Pope had called Peru home for many years and is a citizen of the South American Nation. He served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023, after he was appointed to the role by Pope Francis.
“His election fills our nation, which was his home, his mission and his faith, with pride and hope,” Ms Boluarte said.
“May his pontificate be a guide of peace, justice and love for the world.”
In pictures: Leo delivers first homily as Pope
14:37
,
Rachel Clun
In the Sistine Chapel where less than 24 hours earlier he had been elected as Pope, Leo XIV delivered a homily during Holy Mass.
Pope Leo accused of failing to properly investigate allegations of child sexual abuse in his church
14:22
,
Tom Watling
Pope Leo has been accused of failing to properly investigate allegations of child sexual abuse against priests in his churches in Chicago and Peru.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) say they have made the Vatican well aware of the then-Cardinal Robert Prevost’s reported inaction on the allegations, filing an official complaint with Vatican officials against the new Pope in March. They say they have not had a response.
Read that full report here:
Childhood neighbour predicted Robert Prevost would become Pope
14:07
,
AP
One of Pope Leo XIV's neighbours intuited when he was still a young boy that he would someday become pope.
John Prevost, one of Leo's brothers, says he thinks it happened when Leo was in first grade.
"One of the neighbourhood ladies across the street said to him, 'You will be the first American pope,"' he said. "How she did that, who knows?"
Pope Leo's family reveal his days before the conclave
13:52
,
Tom Watling
Pope Leo spent the days leading up to the secretive vote in the Vatican that would make him the first American head of the Catholic Church watching the film Conclave so he knew what to expect, his brother has revealed.
John Prevost, described the moment he found out that his younger sibling had been named the new head of the Catholic Church.
“I was in this moment of disbelief that this cannot be possible because it's too far from what we thought would happen," John told NBC from his home in New Lenox, Illinois.
When asked if Pope Leo would have watched the film Conclave for inspiration, John said he had. "So he knew how to behave. So it's that kind of stuff, because I wanted to take his mind off of it, laugh about something, because this is now an awesome responsibility," John added.
Read more of what Pope Leo’s siblings said below:
Pope Leo will not change Vatican leadership roles yet
13:37
,
Rachel Clun
The Vatican says the new Pope will not change the leadership roles within the city-state just yet.
“His Holiness Leo XIV has expressed the desire that the Heads and Members of the Institutions of the Roman Curia, as well as the Secretaries, and the President of the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State, continue, provisionally, in their respective roles until further notice,” the Vatican said in a statement.
“The Holy Father wishes, in fact, to reserve a certain time for reflection, prayer and dialogue, before any definitive appointment or confirmation.”
Analysis: Is Leo XIV the Pope who's going to take on Trump?
13:22
,
Rachel Clun
A clue as to how Prevost sees his role as leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics comes in his choice of papal name, Catherine Pepinster writes.
In the Catholic world, a Leo is seen as a reformer pope. And the new Pope could prove no laughing matter for the US president and his team.
Read her full analysis below:
Watch: Maga melt down over 'woke marxist pope'
13:07
,
Rachel Clun
Trump welcomes new American pope with 'excitement'
12:52
,
Rachel Clun
Donald Trump welcomed the news that an American had been elected Pope with “excitement”.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope,” he wrote on his TruthSocial platform.
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
The congratulations came despite Leo XIV previously sharing criticisms of Trump’s administration on social media.
Watch: Brother reveals Pope Leo watched Conclave and played Wordle before he was elected
12:37
,
Rachel Clun
Former US presidents congratulate ‘historic’ first American Pope
12:23
,
Rachel Clun
Former US presidents have welcomed the news of the first American pope.
Joe Biden, a devout Catholic, said: “Habemus papam - May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois.”
“Jill and I congratulate him and wish him success.”
Barack Obama said he and Michelle sent their congratulations to “a fellow Chicagoan”.
“This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith,” he said.
Bill Clinton echoed that sentiment.
“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spoke to billions—Catholics and non-Catholics alike—calling for unity and offering peace, a message the world needs now more than ever,” he said.
“As the first American to lead the Catholic Church, his election marks a historic moment. I join in wishing His Holiness many blessings.”
Pope Leo laments misunderstanding of Christian faith
12:09
,
Rachel Clun, AP
Earlier, in his first homily as Pope, Leo XIV lamented the fact that in many parts of the world, Christianity is "considered absurd," or as something for weak and unintelligent people.
He also complained that in many places Jesus is misunderstood, "reduced to a kind of charismatic leader or superman."
"This is true not only among non-believers but also among many baptised Christians, who thus end up living, at this level, in a state of practical atheism," he said.
"Yet, precisely for this reason, they are the places where our missionary outreach is desperately needed. A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society."
The cardinals applauded as the Mass concluded.
Leo was seen wearing simple black shoes, not the red loafers of the papacy preferred by some traditionalist popes.
What is the history behind the name Leo?
11:54
,
Rachel Clun
The former cardinal Robert Prevost chose the name Leo as his papal name, becoming the 14th Pope to do so.
The choice has been fairly widely credited to the last Pope to hold that name, Pope Leo XIII, who headed the church from 1878 to 1903.
Leo XIII was known for his devoted focus on social justice issues, and is often credited with laying the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.
Another Leo had one of the shortest pontificates in history. Pope Leo XI lasted from 1 April 1605 until his death on 27 April 1605.
Read more about the history of papal names here:
More images from Holy Mass in the Sistine Chapel
11:39
,
Rachel Clun, Reuters
Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel with the same cardinals who elected him as Pope less than a day ago.
The former Cardinal Robert Prevost and the first American Pope wore white and gold vestments and looked serene as he said the Mass in the famous, frescoed chapel.
Church must light 'the dark nights of this world'
11:26
,
Reuters
In his first mass as Pope, Leo XIV painted the spiritual picture of the Church he would like to see under his papacy.
"God has .... entrusted this treasure to me so that, with his help, I may be its faithful administrator for the sake of the entire mystical Body of the Church," he said in his homily.
"He has done so in order that she may be ever more fully a city set on a hill, an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumiates the dark nights of this world," he added, according to the official translation.
The 1.4 billion-member Church, was great not because of "the magnificence of her structures or the grandeur of her buildings, but rather through the holiness of her members."
Watch: Pope Leo XIV addresses cardinals
11:21
,
Rachel Clun
In pictures: Pope Leo delivers first Holy Mass in Sistine Chapel
11:08
,
Rachel Clun
Leo XIV is leading his first mass as Pope.
The Pope's full English comments at the beginning of his homily
10:53
,
Rachel Clun
While Pope Leo XIV delivered his homily in Italian, he began with some words in English.
Here are those remarks in full:
I begin with a word in English and the rest is in Italian, but I want to repeat the words from the responsorial Psalm: ‘I will sing a new song to the lrod because he has done marvels’.
And indeed, not just with me, but with all of us my brother cardinals, as we celebrate this morning I invite you to recognise the marvels that the Lord has done, the blessing the lord continues to pour out upon all of us.
Through the ministry of Peter, you have called me to carry that cross and to be blessed with that mission, and I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue as a church, as a community of friends of Jesus as believers, to announce the good news, to announce the gospel.
Pope says: ‘Recognise the marvels the Lord has done’
10:37
,
Rachel Clun
Pope Leo XIV has begun his address in English.
He called on the gathered cardinals and the faithful watching to “recognise the marvels the Lord has done”.
“You have called me to carry that cross, to be blessed with that mission,” he said.
“I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue as a church, as a community of friends of Jesus as believers, to announce the good news, to announce the gospel.”
Watch: Pope Leo XIV enters Sistine Chapel to caelebrate his first Mass as pontiff
10:29
,
Rachel Clun
Pope leading mass in prayer
10:21
,
Rachel Clun
The new Pope has opened the special mass at the sistine chapel, acknowledging his sins, and then led the congregation in a prayer.
A bible reading is now being read in English.
King Charles II sent private congratulations to Pope Leo XIV
10:15
,
Rachel Clun
The King has sent a private message to Pope Leo XIV, congratulating him on his election as the 267th pontiff and Bishop of Rome, Buckingham Palace said.
Entrance procession enters Sistine Chapel
10:10
,
Rachel Clun
The entrance procession for the Holy Mass has begun.
The choir is singing as the Pope walks into the chapel, holding a large gold crucifix.
Cardinals are seated in Sistine chapel for first mass
10:07
,
Rachel Clun
Dressed all in white, the cardinals have gathered in the Sistine Chapel for Pope Leo XIV’s first mass.
Just yesterday afternoon, they were gathered in the same chapel to decide who should be the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Watch live: Leo XIV to give first mass as Pope
09:52
,
Rachel Clun
Leo XIV is delivering his first mass as Pope. Watch it live:
Suggestions that Parolin stepped back to allow Prevost to gain papacy
09:42
,
Rachel Clun
The deliberations of the conclave are meant to be secret.
However, Italian media have been speculating about how American Cardinal Robert Prevost won the papal election, beating several other favourites.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the sec
