An open-topped popemobile carrying Pope Leo XIV drove on Sunday morning through St Peter's Square at the Vatican, where thousands gathered ahead of the newly elected American pontiff's inaugural mass.

Pope Leo XIV will be inaugurated as pontiff at a Mass in St Peter's Square. The service will mark the official start of his papacy. Leo was chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church earlier this month following the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and a two-day conclave in Vatican City.