New pope makes 2nd appearance

Set to be formally introduced to media

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Pope Leo XIV was to lead the Regina Coeli prayer from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica yesterday, marking his second official public appearance since becoming head of the Catholic Church.

The noon prayer was to draw thousands of people eager for a closer look at the modest new pontiff, born Robert Francis Prevost, who spent much of his life as a missionary in Peru before becoming the first US pope.

Cardinals elected Pope Leo as the 267th pontiff in a secret conclave last Thursday, praying he could heal internal Church divisions, renew faith among the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, and address the many modern-day challenges facing the more than 2,000-year-old institution.

Addressing cardinals on Saturday, the 69-year-old Pope Leo described himself as a "humble servant of God... and nothing more than this", and an "unworthy successor" to St Peter, according to a transcript released by the Vatican. Crowds of Catholics around the world on Saturday celebrated him being elected.

TRIBUTE TO FRANCIS

Offering early clues to the direction of his pontificate, Pope Leo said he would be guided by the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Franciswho died on April 21 aged 88-praising his "example of complete dedication to service and to sober simplicity of life".