The first-ever American Pope has appeared in front of jubilant crowds in Rome as the new leader of the Catholic Church.Pope Leo XIV emerged onto the balcony of St Peter's Basilica as a packed St Peter's Square erupted in cheers and applause.He was Cardinal Robert Prevost, from Chicago, and is fairly young for a Pope, at the age of 69.His election drew speedy congratulations from US President Donald Trump who described an American Pope as "such an honour".

The first-ever American Pope has appeared in front of jubilant crowds in Rome as the new leader of the Catholic Church.Pope Leo XIV emerged onto the balcony of St Peter's Basilica as a packed St Peter's Square erupted in cheers and applause.He was Cardinal Robert Prevost, from Chicago, and is fairly young for a Pope, at the age of 69.His election drew speedy congratulations from US President Donald Trump who described an American Pope as "such an honour".