Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Prevost of Chicago, will preside over his inaugural Mass as pontiff today in the Sistine Chapel at 11:00 local time (09:00 GMT, 10:00 BST), a day after his historic election.
The newly elected head of the Catholic Church has made history as the first North American to become pope. Widely regarded as a reformer, Pope Leo XIV spent decades as a missionary in Peru, eventually rising to the rank of archbishop before being called to Rome.
World leaders have begun offering their congratulations. Among them, U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the moment as a “great honour,” celebrating the pope’s American roots.
With a reputation for humility and progressive values, Pope Leo XIV is expected to usher in a new chapter for the Catholic Church—one that may blend tradition with reformist ideals shaped by his missionary background and cross-cultural experience.
