The Chicago-born pontiff is the first American to lead the Catholic Church, and while his positions on some of the church’s hot-button issues remain unclear, he has signaled continuity with his predecessor, who challenged norms, embraced migrants and the poor, and sought to build an inclusive church.

The first American pope — previously known as Cardinal Robert Prevost — was elected on May 8 Pope Leo XIV has plenty to say about his home country. The first-ever American pope was elected to lead the Catholic church on May 8.

The contrast between President Trump and Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV couldn’t be more stark, politically, personally, or in their world views.

The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary, elected in a 24-hour conclave last week, called for journalists to use words for peace, to reject war and to give voice to the voiceless.

Pope Leo XIV made time in his busy schedule to welcome his friend Father Hugo Sánchez and Sánchez’s mother to the Vatican.

Father Robert Prevost, who is now Pope Leo XIV, served at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church in Flint for several months in 1999.

One of Pope Leo's older brothers is opening up in this week's issue of PEOPLE about the pontiff's childhood growing up on the South Side of Chicago as the youngest of three brothers — as well as the new pope's dedication to his faith and unique skills as a leader.

Pope Leo also celebrated Mother’s Day as jubilee bands and thousands of pilgrims created a festive atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.