Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pope, descends from Creole and free people of color in Louisiana, highlighting complex issues to race and class in American history.

The 2025 papal conclave at the Vatican ended with the election of American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. Here's what to know about him.

A plume of white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling a new pope has been selected following Francis’ death.

"I hope to be able to respond to [the challenges] with a healthy dialogue," said Cardinal Robert Prevost in 2023.

Meanwhile, welcome to the real pope, Leo XIV. I’m hoping he puts our toxic mini-me pope’s feet to the fire. And reminds a world still coming to grips with Donald Trump 2.0, that the United States also turns out guys named Robert Francis Prevost, the 267th Vicar of Christ. He has his work cut out for him.

The school's students and staff expressed shock and excitement following the recent election of the first-ever American pope.

Speaking to EWTN News Nightly anchor Catherine Hadro on Monday, Rooney — also a former U.S. representative — said that Leo will be a “fantastic Pope” because he “can communicate with people in a very clear but nonthreatening way.”

The first American pope arrives at a time of extraordinary complexity and tension in the church in the United States.

The elevation of Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost to pope earlier this month has been a point of pride for Chicagoland parishes, including in the north suburbs of Morton Grove, Park Ridge,