News of a new pope thrilled US-based social media users, especially midwesterners, many of whom were not expecting to see their region represented in the Holy See.

Tens of thousands of faithful Catholics gathered in St. Peter's Square to watch Pope Leo XIV deliver the first Sunday blessing of his pontificate exactly at noon. They unfurled flags from around the world,

Pope Leo XIV is both the first American pope and the first boomer pope, and any projections about what his papacy will look like are premature right now.

The election of Pope Leo XIV as the first-American pontiff shocked the world, and Chicago residents rejoiced in the Holy See’s ties to the Windy City.

This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors.

Dolton residents and officials hope native Robert Prevost’s election as pope will improve an image soured by Mayor Tiffany Henyard.