Pope Leo XIV calls for end to wars in Ukraine, Gaza
Pope Leo XIV was elected as the Catholic Church's 267th leader on Thursday.
The temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke on Thursday evening local time, signaling that the 133 cardinals working inside had reached a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope for the Catholic Church.
American Cardinal Robert Prevost was shortly thereafter announced as the 267th pontiff. He chose the name Leo XIV, a senior cardinal deacon announced.
The 69-year-old Chicago native is the first American pope and is seen as a diplomat in the church.
"This is the first greeting of the risen Christ. May the peace be with you," Leo said in Italian in his first remarks as pope. "This is the peace of the risen Christ."
Tune in to "The American Pope: Leo XIV," a special edition of "20/20," streaming now on Hulu and Disney+.
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Pope says he will 'sing a new song to the Lord' in first homily
Pope Leo XIV began his first homily at the Sistine Chapel in English on Friday, inviting people to "recognize the marvels that the Lord has done."
"I begin with a word in English, and the rest is in Italian, but I want to repeat the words from the Responsorial Psalm," Pope Leo XIV said. "I will sing a new song to the Lord, 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 recognize the marvels that the Lord has done, the blessings that the Lord continues to pour out upon all of us," the pope continued. "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 begins homily in his first mass in English
In his first mass as pope, Leo XIV began his homily with some words in English. He also spoke in Italian and Spanish during the service.
Pope Leo XIV celebrating his first mass as pope at the Sistine Chapel
On his first full day after being elected the 267th pontiff, Pope Leo XIV is now celebrating his first mass as pope at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
The service started with a choir singing an antiphon from Psalm 46 and it is being conducted in multiple languages.
An estimated 150,000 people filled St. Peter's Square to welcome new pope
An estimated 150.000 people filled St. Peter's Square on Thursday evening to welcome the new pope, the Italian Department of Civil Protection told ABC News.
Pope Leo XIV has several events scheduled over the next few days, according to the Vatican.
On Friday, Leo will celebrate mass in the Sistine Chapel at 11 a.m. local time, Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, told journalists in a short briefing Thursday evening.
Leo will recite the Regina Coeli prayer from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday at noon and on Monday at 10 a.m., Leo will give an audience to all accredited journalists and media workers, in which he is expected to give a speed.