Newly-elected Pope Leo XIV made history in becoming the first American pontiff, but it's fair to say his appointment hasn't been universally popular - even within his own administration

Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on faith in the risen Christ is fundamental for the Church, particularly in Europe, Italian Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco said.

If his early decisions are any indication, it is likely that Pope Leo XIV will continue Pope Francis’s reforms not only on social issues, but also on women and their inclusion in top positions at the Vatican and within the Roman curia.

Paola Ugaz, a Peruvian journalist who helped expose the abuse committed by leaders of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, gives Pope Leo XIV a stole made of alpaca wool, during the pope's meeting with members of the media May 12, 2025, in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

Pope Leo XIV has called for humanitarian aid to reach the Gaza Strip and for an end to the “heartbreaking” toll on its people.

The Vatican said some 200,000 people attended the Mass at St. Peter’s Square, which marked the start of the pontificate of the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Vice President JD Vance was among the dignitaries.

I don’t think he’s the kind of man who sends coded messages,” Cardinal Michael Czerny says in this exclusive interview with Gerard O’Connell.

Pope Leo XIV, history’s first American pope, on Thursday made his first American bishop appointment as he named Bishop Michael Pham as bishop of San Diego, California. Pham, 58, is currently an auxiliary bishop in the diocese.

There is no room in Augustine’s concept of authority for one who is self-seeking and in search of power over others,” he wrote in the 167-page text.

If you think our enthusiasm for our basketball team was intense, just wait until you see our support for Pope Leo XIV.