Pope Leo XIV has broken the seal on the papal apartments, marking one of his first major symbolic moments as pontiff

Political figures around the world have congratulated Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, after his election on Thursday, May 8, as Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Hailing from Chicago and a dual U.

Abuse watchdog groups have expressed concern, but Leo has been lauded by other survivors for his handling of abuse.

The contrast between President Trump and Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV couldn’t be more stark, politically, personally, or in their world views.

Some conservatives and traditionalist Catholics are cautiously optimistic over the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, hopeful he will return doctrinal rigor to the papacy, even as progressives sense he will continue Pope Francis’ reformist agenda.

After waiting in line at the Vatican, Jason Perash of Colorado got the pontiff to autograph a ball. The pope is reportedly a Chicago White Sox fan.

Pope Leo XIV’s first signals about the style and substance of his pontificate show why he won such broad assent at the conclave that elected him.The first-ever U.S.-born pope has repeatedly indicated strong continuity with his predecessor,

The pre-conclave favorite, Italy’s Pietro Parolin had a good number of preferences in the first two votes, but his support dropped off in the third ballot. Meanwhile, the darkhorse candidacy of Robert Prevost had been gaining momentum,