Pope Leo XIV had a simple response when NewsNation correspondent Robert Sherman asked if he had a message for the United States on Monday, May 12

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.

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

Pope Leo XIV made time in his busy schedule to welcome his friend Father Hugo Sánchez and Sánchez’s mother to the Vatican.

Father Robert Prevost, who is now Pope Leo XIV, served at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church in Flint for several months in 1999.

Pope Leo XIV called for peaceful communication and thanked journalists worldwide for sharing stories illuminating truth, humanity, and hope.

Pope Leo also celebrated Mother’s Day as jubilee bands and thousands of pilgrims created a festive atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.