The new Pope, Leo XIV, marks his first Mass in the Vatican following his selection by the papal conclave, and joined by the College of Cardinals, on Friday, May 9.

He assumes the leadership of the Catholic Church, guiding 1.4 billion faithful worldwide, and takes over following the death of Pope Francis.

The ceremony, known as the Missa pro Ecclesia (Mass for the Church), is held in the Sistine Chapel, where Pope Leo XIV was elected - marking the first time a cardinal from the US has ascended to the papacy.

Yesterday, after accepting his role and choosing his papal name, the new pope stepped onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica for his first public blessing.