There are early signs that Pope Leo XIV is capitalizing on a moment of euphoria for Catholics and gaining traction within a divided church.

Pope Leo's inauguration mass held on Sunday, May 19. After returning to Nigeria, Peter Obi shared why he did not personally meet the new Catholic Church head.

The pontiff said he would face up to "the questions, concerns and challenges of today’s world" and, in a nod to conservatives, he promised to preserve "the rich heritage of the Christian faith," repeatedly calling for unity.

A résumé of deep religious education, frontline pastoral experience, parish management and Vatican governance — along with a nudge from Pope Francis — put Robert Prevost on the fast track.

Some Catholics in Chicago still hope the new pope will signal greater acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community — with time.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV affirmed Friday that the family is founded on the “stable union between a man and a woman,” and that the unborn and elderly enjoy dignity as God’s creatures, articulating clear Catholic teaching on marriage and abortion at the start of his pontificate.

Dolton Mayor Jason House said there’s a possibility of taking public ownership of Pope Leon XIV’s home for museum or public purpose.