Details have begun to emerge of how votes swiftly coalesced to make Pope Leo XIV history’s first American pope.

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".

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass this morning following his election, calling on the Church to focus on areas where there is a "lack of faith". It followed his first address yesterday - when the Chicago-born pontiff touched on "peace" and "unity".