Nostradamus has made a seriously chilling prediction about the new pope, his followers have suggested. Pope Leo XIV was elected as the head of the Roman Catholic Church last Thursday (8 May) after white smoke emerged following the mysterious conclave meeting.

To celebrate the election of the 267th pope — the first American-born pontiff — the Detroit Free Press has crafted a commemorative page print. Get yours today.

Leo XIV’s predecessor Pope Francis, birth name Jorge Maria Bergoglio, appointed 80% of the cardinals who voted to elect one of them as the next pope. Most of Bergoglio’s appointees are younger and more racially and geographically diverse than the men they replaced, and many appear to be far more progressive than he was.

Leo will be formally installed as pope at a Mass on May 18, the Vatican said Friday, and will preside over his first general audience May 21.

Still, it was an exciting moment for the Americans who were at the Vatican that day. Mariner says he and his wife were in a restaurant in Rome at the time, surrounded by dozens of U.S. citizens. When the new pope was announced, Mariner heard many of the patrons joyfully exclaim, “He’s an American!”

New pontiff says AI is main challenge for humanity as he sets out vision of his papacy - New leader of the Catholic Church says AI poses challenges to defending human dignity and justice

Vice President JD Vance said this week he didn't want to get political about new pope Leo XIV, calling his election "a great thing."

Pope Leo was among several cardinals who turned to the film “Conclave” for pointers prior to the start of the election this week.