Habemus papam Americanum! The new Pope Leo XIV has a reputation for discretion and reserve. He is no radical, says our correspondent. In electing Leo, the cardinals of the Roman Catholic church have opted for a fair measure of continuity. And the choice of an exceptionally cosmopolitan American smacks of outright defiance of Donald Trump and his aggressive nationalism.

Elsewhere, Russia will hold a big military parade in Moscow tomorrow. The pageantry may be a sign less of overweening might than of hidden weakness. But as our leader explains, Russia is rearming fast, and will remain a serious threat to western Europe.