Prior to being elected, Pope Leo XIV had a presence on X, where he sometimes shared messages that appeared to be critical of some of President Donald Trump's policies.

Hints as to what postures Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, might take on some of the most controversial issues roiling the U.S. may come from his recent activity on social media​.

A papal tapestry is unfurled and draped over the edge of the balcony as cardinals gather on the left and right sides of the balcony, looking out over the crowd in St Peter's Square. The crowd cheers and starts chanting after hearing the announcement that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been voted as the new pope.