Commentator Mark Lambert has described the election of Pope Leo XIV as "a really clever choice by the Cardinals".
He noted that the new pontiff has "given several hat tips" to Pope Benedict in his first appearance.
The commentator stated that Pope Leo XIV has been head of the Dicastery for Bishops, "which is a really important role".
Lambert added that the new Pope "seems to have been very trusted by Pope Francis" who was well respected in the Catholic community.
Lambert added that the new Pope "seems to have been very trusted by Pope Francis"
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US Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday when white smoke appeared out the chimney after just a day and a half of voting.
He has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, as announced by a senior cardinal to crowds gathered in St Peter's Square.
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The historic announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Roman Catholic Church.
Cardinal Prevost's election introduces an American leader to the papal office for the first time. The declaration in Vatican City was met with joy and anticipation from the assembled devotees.
Observers worldwide are now watching closely to see how Pope Leo XIV will guide the Church in the coming years.
Lambert said: "I don't think that is controversial at all. I think actually it's really clever choice by the Cardinals.
"He's stressed building a bridge as he came out onto the lodger and I think that's really what he's going to do.
"This is a guy who is extremely experienced in dealing within the church.
"So he's been head of the Dicastery for Bishops, which is a really important role and will be well respected by all the members.
"He seems to have been very trusted by Pope Francis. Yet you can see if you look at the semiotics, we always have to check the semiotics.
The new Pope is in a "very important role"
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"You've got lots of little hat tips there to Pope Benedict and continuity of the Petrine office. So just the fact that he came out dressed as he did with the papal mozzetta on and the papal shoes."
He added: "I think the fact that he can speak out is a really good thing because one of the jobs of the of the Pope really is to be a moral conscience for the whole world."
As the world watches, Pope Leo XIV begins his tenure with expectations of both continuity and renewal within the Roman Catholic Church.
