Prevost, who was promoted by Francis and has a knack for management and a zeal for missionary work, was a stronger candidate then many outside the Vatican knew.

Leo is the first pope with a pre-papal social media presence, which helps paint an early picture of his positions on various cultural issues.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel where he was elected less than 24 hours earlier, warning of the dangers caused by a lack of faith and hoping the Catholic Church could be a beacon lighting the world's "dark nights".