Inside the election of Pope Leo XIV: What went on during the frantic week of behind-the-scenes campaigning – as King Charles III makes his historic visit to the Vatican

Leo XIV follows the wonderful Leo XIII (1878-1904), known for his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum – which is regarded as the foundation stone of Catholic social teaching. Leo I (440-461) – better known as Leo the Great – was also regarded as one of the best popes in papal history. President Trump – who nominated himself as pope, albeit jokingly – has already said he is ‘excited’ and ‘honoured’ by the decision to elect an American; although Prevost is not a JD Vance sort of right wing Catholic.