Amid global conflicts, the new pope will need to forge new bonds. Experts say he has the background and the skills that will demonstrate that he's up to the task.

Leo gave a prepared address and then opened the floor to any cardinal who wanted to make a comment, a different format to what previous popes have done.

How Pope Leo XIV chooses to tackle critical topics from same-sex marriage to women in the church remains to be seen, but those who know him say he’ll likely continue his predecessor’s path in his own image.

Pope Leo XIV held his first public audience with members of the media, saying the church stood in solidarity with them for "seeking the truth."

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".