Editor's Note: This story was updated on May 8, 2025, at 2:10 p.m. ET.
The Catholic church has a new pope: Leo XIV. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, the 69-year-old is the first pope elected from the United States. He takes the helm of the church following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Leo XIV spent many years in Peru and was made a cardinal by Francis in 2023. It's unclear so far how Leo XIV will lead, but one thing is for sure: The new pontiff will have a grueling schedule.
