Context:

Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the first American pope, taking the name Leo XIV, succeeding Pope Francis who passed away recently. Born in Chicago, Prevost has a rich history of service in Peru, where he became a bishop and was naturalized, later leading an influential Vatican office. Known for his commitment to the marginalized, he plans to continue Pope Francis' consultative approach, though it is unclear if he will maintain the same openness towards LGBTQ Catholics. His election followed a conclave where 135 eligible cardinals voted, representing the largest voting body in the church's history. As pope, Leo XIV faces numerous challenges, including addressing divided opinions within the church on issues such as LGBTQ inclusion, sexual abuse accountability, and the role of women and married priests in the Catholic Church.

Dive Deeper:

• Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, succeeding the late Pope Francis. Born in Chicago, he spent two decades in Peru, rising to prominence as a bishop and leader of the Order of St. Augustine.

• Prevost, who has a reputation for being reserved and discreet, aligns with Francis' commitment to the poor and migrants and aims to continue the consultative processes initiated by his predecessor, though his stance on LGBTQ issues remains less clear.

• He has previously criticized Western media's support for lifestyles he views as contrary to the Gospel, including same-sex partnerships, which raises questions about his approach to LGBTQ inclusion within the church.

• The conclave that elected Leo XIV began on May 7, with 135 voting cardinals, the largest number in history, all under the age of 80 and predominantly appointed by Pope Francis, emphasizing the continuation of his legacy.

• Pope Leo XIV's election process involved a series of votes until a two-thirds majority was reached, signaled by white smoke from the Vatican chimney, a tradition that dates back centuries and can vary significantly in duration.

• The new pope faces significant challenges, such as navigating the church's internal ideological divisions and addressing complex issues like the role of women, LGBTQ inclusion, priestly celibacy, and handling allegations of clerical sexual abuse.

• Throughout his career, Prevost has been an advocate for meeting people where they are, a philosophy he has carried into his papacy, potentially setting the tone for his leadership and reform agenda in the Catholic Church.