The new pope is Robert Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV – the first American pontiff to be elected leader of the Catholic Church.
Prevost, 69, is greeted with huge cheers from thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square
Chicago-born Prevost is seen as a reformer and worked for many years as a missionary in Peru before being made an archbishop there
The new Pope addressed the Square in Italian, switching to Spanish briefly at the end when thanking his former diocese in Peru.
“I would like this greeting of peace to reach all your hearts and families… and people around the world. May peace be with you,” Pope Leo XIV began as the Square fell silent.
At other moments, his address was met with frequent warm applause, especially when the new Pope mentioned peace and the late Pope Francis.
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He also insisted on the need for unity and, at the end, asked everyone to join together in prayer.
When he began reciting Ave Maria, a deep hum rose as the Square followed suit, with some signing in their own languages.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
