The papacy is a global platform, so the issues Pope Leo chooses to focus on can resonate far beyond the church.

The contrast with Leo’s predecessor is striking. Pope Francis collaborated closely with Argentine Jews during his years as a cardinal. When he was elected in 2013, some commentators charted possible directions for Jewish-Catholic dialogue. Leo’s record offers no such clarity.

Before ascending to lead the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV — formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost — grew up in Chicago, spent decades in Peru, then arrived in Rome.

Pope Leo XIV's election marks the second straight time the cardinals have selected someone from the Americas, as well as a pontiff who had been a member of a religious order.

Though Leo XIV is from Chicago, his election to the papacy reflects the move of Christianity toward the Global South.

Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago as Robert Prevost, was the first American to be elected Pope - but an expert has warned he did not want to be defined by his roots

Bishop Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, celebrated Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James in Downtown Brooklyn, marking

Robert Francis Prevost will go by the papal name of Pope Leo XIV after he was elected to be 267th pope following the first full day of voting by 133 cardinals