Born in the U.S., forged in Peru, chosen in Rome, Leo XIV will helm a church facing debt, division and decline

Pope Leo XIV was elected as the Catholic Church's 267th leader on Thursday. The temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke on Thursday evening local time ...

White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney in Vatican City Thursday as the world gathered to watch a new pope take the helm of the Roman Catholic Church. The man who emerged was a surprise to many and a historical first for the faith: Pope Leo XIV will be the first American pope.

The Chicago-born pontiff is the first American to lead the Catholic Church, and while his positions on some of the church’s hot-button issues remain unclear, he has signaled continuity with his predecessor, who challenged norms, embraced migrants and the poor, and sought to build an inclusive church.

Pope Leo XIV is now the most powerful American Catholic in the world, and experts say he must aptly walk the line between U.S. politics and his papal duties.

Just half a year later, Prevost – now Pope Leo XIV – is no longer one of the many participants at the table. He is at the helm of the church and ... Mark O’Connor, a Catholic journalist ...

Live updates and latest news as the first North American pope steps into his role as the new leader of the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV held his first public audience with ... that can sometimes offer clues on how the new head of the Roman Catholic Church intends to lead. Leo, who was elected the 267th leader of ...

Jetlagged but excited, Pope Leo XIV’s brother, John Prevost, is catching up on daily life after a whirlwind few days in the Vatican.