World leaders congratulate new Pope Leo XIV

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica (Andrew Medichini/AP) - (AP)

Political and religious leaders have congratulated the new Pope who has become the first American head of the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV emerged onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica in front of a packed St Peter’s Square, cheered on by jubilant crowds as he made his first public appearance as pontiff.