Pope Leo's reviews among the American public are similar to Pope Francis' at the beginning of his papacy, researchers said.

How he chooses to bring his own legal acumen to bear on each of these three situations will say a great deal about the early direction of his pontificate.

Pope Leo XIV, who made history as the first American pope when he was elected in May 2025, is connected to several famous names across politics and entertainment, including pop icons like Madonna and Justin Bieber.

Veteran Hollywood actor Al Pacino met Pope Leo XIV on Monday at the Vatican. He was accompanied by producer Andrea Iervolino.

Under a bright sun, around an altar set up at centerfield, more than a dozen priests and bishops led by Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich concelebrated a special Mass for the election of a first-ever Chicago-born pope.

From the moment Pope Leo XIV emerged from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, church observers have sought comparisons between the new, U.S.-born pontiff and his predecessor Pope Francis. Vatican experts who worked closely with Pope Francis have underlined the close relationship between the two men,

Cardinal Arborelius said that, although he would appreciate a papal visit from Pope Leo XIV, he hopes that the new pope will be able to visit Catholics in the neighboring countries of Scandinavia.