"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV, history’s first North American pope, celebrated his first Mass as pontiff on Friday, presiding in the Sistine Chapel with the cardinals who elected him to succeed Pope Francis and follow in his social justice-minded footsteps.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected Thursday as the first American pope. Here’s what to know about him and his new papal name, Leo XIV.

Becoming pope was a big deal for a cardinal and his family. Leading candidates known as papabili (pope-ables) began strategising and negotiating even before a pontiff died.

Let us keep in our ears the weak voice of Pope Francis that blesses Rome,” Leo said during his address on Thursday. “The Pope who blessed Rome, gave his blessing to the ent