Robert Prevost, the Chicago-born missionary, was elected the first pope from the United States in the history of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025.

A year into his papacy, Leo has shown a readiness to challenge Washington, defying any concerns about the election of an American pontiff.

Pope Leo’s papacy is still a work in progress, but the American-born pontiff has so far emphasised unity in a fractured church – and world.

As the first year of Pope Leo’s pontificate comes to a close, the Chicago-area native has emerged as a powerful counter to President Donald Trump.

A focus on Christ, an emphasis on unity and a whole lot of baseball references. These have been some of the hallmarks of Pope Leo XIV’s first 100 days as pontiff. The first American Pope’s words, gestures and decisions since his election on May 8, have ...

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a meeting with Pope Leo XIV on Thursday amid a historic period of tension between Washington and the Vatican.

“That the human person is meant to be in relationship, to live in the potential of encountering the other as a friend, to search for home and belonging,” he continued. “This drives Leo’s call to engage in dialogue, to reach out, and to walk together.”

Since becoming the first US-born pope a year ago this week, Leo XIV's measured style has given way to a trenchant tone in an ongoing confrontation with US President Donald Trump. "He doesn't want every word that he says to be seen as a direct response to Donald Trump,