Overview

• Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on May 8, becoming the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
• In his first formal address, he emphasized continuity with Pope Francis's priorities, such as inclusivity, social justice, and synodal governance.
• Leo XIV highlighted artificial intelligence as a critical global issue, drawing parallels to Pope Leo XIII's advocacy for workers' rights during the Industrial Revolution.
• The new pope faces scrutiny over an abuse cover-up allegation brought by SNAP, which he has denied, testing his commitment to transparency and accountability.
• On his first papal outing, he visited an Augustinian sanctuary near Rome, reinforcing his ties to the order and his focus on service and collegiality.