Pope Leo to lead first holy mass in Sistine Chapel after paying surprise visit

Rome

Pope Leo will lead his first holy mass as pontiff this morning – after already paying a surprise visit to see staff at his former residence.

Robert Prevost’s life changed forever on Thursday when he went from being one of 252 cardinals to the first-ever American pope.

His was chosen after just four rounds of voting in the Sistine Chapel – a conclave that lasted just 25 hours.

New pope unveiled to the world as it happened

The 69-year-old Chicago-born cardinal was not seen as a frontrunner but quickly secured the required two-thirds majority.

There was jubilation in St Peter’s Square when white smoke emerged and about an hour later the Pope’s identity was revealed when he stepped onto the balcony.

The choice of Leo is the first time the name has been used since Leo XII – the pope from 1878 to 1903.

Sky News Africa understands one of the first things the new Pope did was greet staff at his former residence, Sant’Uffizio Palace, just outside the Vatican.

All eyes will now be on his first mass, when he and other cardinals return to the Sistine Chapel around 10am.

Pope Leo’s first words as leader of 1.4 billion Catholics on Thursday evening were “may peace be with all of you”.