But the new pope, in 2025, has done something more than mark an anniversary. By choosing the name “Leo” and explicitly invoking “Rerum Novarum,” the Church’s 267th pope has placed not just an encyclical, but his pontificate, at the service of the social question. The Church and society have been placed on notice.

Pope Leo XIV is calling for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza amid an Israeli blockade and also urging for peace in Ukraine and Russia — even offering to host negotiations at the Vatican.

Qualities of humility, clarity and servant leadership are early signs that Pope Leo is charting a unifying path.

Pope Leo XIV gets a custom Chicago Bears jersey from JD Vance during a Vatican visit full of hometown ties and global stakes.

JD Vance is attending Pope Leo's inaugural mass. The trip could set the tone for the Trump administration's relationship with the new pope.

The CEO of Catholic Charities of Dallas, Dave Woodyard, shared his excitement over last week's historic selection of the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV.

A new photo of Leo XIV stands by frescoes representing past papal visits to a Virgin Mary icon in the Sanctuary of Our Mother of Good Counsel, commemorating where he prayed

Nevertheless, the women who have worked closely with Prevost in recent years have praised his leadership style, ability to listen and respect for their opinions. In interviews with The Associated Press, they say they expect that as pope, Leo will continue to promote women in church governance positions, albeit with limits.