Pope Leo hopes to bring light to 'dark nights of this world' as he celebrates first Mass

Pope Leo XIV, history’s first North American pope, has celebrated his first Mass as pontiff in the Sistine Chapel

Leo XIV was elected at the Vatican on Thursday (AP)

Pope Leo XIV, history’s first North American Pope, has said his election was both a cross and a blessing as he celebrated his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel.

Leo spoke off-the-cuff in English to the cardinals who elected him to lead the Catholic Church and follow in Pope Francis’ footsteps over social justice.