In his first Mass as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to “bear witness to our joyful faith in Jesus the Savior” in a world where “a lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life.”

The United States cardinals who were part of the conclave that on Thursday elected Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, called him “a citizen of the world,” in continuity with Pope Francis but with his own manner of doing things.

Pope Leo XIV met three of his predecessors during his years as an Augustinian, prior, and cardinal. Here are photos from those encounters.

Americans gathered in St. Peter’s Square on May 8 to celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. The 69-year-old Augustinian friar, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, was elected after just two days of conclave.

Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki has candidly confessed he “didn’t expect” the election of Pope Leo XIV, praising the new pontiff’s “warmth and humanity” while expressing hope for theological clarity concerning synodality.

The election of Leo XIV was enthusiastically received by Caritas Internationalis, which expressed its support for the new pontiff and reaffirmed its readiness to walk alongside the new pope.

Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo praised Pope Leo XIV as a “solid, discreet, and good worker,” expressing confidence in his bold leadership following the May 8 conclave that elected him as the 267th pope.

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first official address to the College of Cardinals on Saturday, outlining his priorities in the age of AI while stressing continuity with past popes and commitment to Catholic social teaching.

Pope Leo XIV's pontifical name is a reflection of his intent to lead the Catholic Church with a "clear vision" amid a turbulent world, Italian Cardinal Fernando Filoni said Friday.

Pope Leo XIV, elected on Thursday, is the first pope from the Order of St. Augustine (OSA), also known as the Augustinians, an ancient religious order with thousands of members worldwide.

The Vatican unveiled Pope Leo XIV’s official portrait and signature Saturday, revealing the American pontiff’s embrace of traditional papal elements just two days after his historic election.

“To young people I say: Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord!” proclaimed Pope Leo XIV to thunderous applause during his first Regina Caeli, as jubilant pilgrims filled St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.

EWTN Chairman and CEO Michael Warsaw reacted with joy to the election of the first American pontiff.

Pope Leo XIV delivered this homily at his first Mass as pope in the Sistine Chapel on May 9, the morning after being elected the 267th successor of St. Peter, addressing the cardinal electors who had chosen him.

On May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV by the College of Cardinals as the 266th successor of St. Peter, making him the 267th pope and the first from the United States. 

Just hours after being elected the Catholic Church’s 267th pontiff, Pope Leo XIV has three appointments on his agenda: a Mass with cardinals, praying the Regina Caeli, and greeting journalists and media who covered the conclave.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, May 8 — the first pope from the United States.

Pope Leo XIV greeted the world for the first time on Thursday with the words “Peace be with you all.”

The word conclave comes from the Latin “cum clave,” literally “with a key,” which conveys the image of the cardinal electors being locked in the Sistine Chapel until the new pope is elected.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel today at 6:09 p.m. Rome time, signaling the College of Cardinals has chosen a new pope.

Nutritionist Giorgio Calabrese, an Italian doctor who specializes in nutritional science, prepared the menu for the cardinal electors who have kicked off the conclave to elect the next pope.

Black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 11:51 am Rome time on Thursday, signaling that the cardinals voting at the conclave have not yet elected a new pope.

John, Pius, Leo, and Alexander. These are just a few of the names popes have taken over the centuries. When the white smoke appears and a new pope is chosen, he is asked: “By what name shall you be called?”