Pope Leo XIV shared his first message on the official papal social media accounts this week, continuing the digital outreach of his predecessors with a post focused on peace.

Still, it was an exciting moment for the Americans who were at the Vatican that day. Mariner says he and his wife were in a restaurant in Rome at the time, surrounded by dozens of U.S. citizens. When the new pope was announced, Mariner heard many of the patrons joyfully exclaim, “He’s an American!”

The chimney of the Sistine Chapel, used to signal the election of a new pope, was dismantled on Saturday as faithul continued to flock to St.

Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago became Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American to hold the position. Donald Trump claimed his influence in the Vatican's decision. Trump criticized ABC News for downplaying his role.

Throughout the 20th century, only two conclaves lasted up to five days − Pope Pius X's election in 1903 and Pope Pius XI's election in 1922.