Yes, the newly minted pontiff—formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native—made history as the first-ever American pope during last week's papal conclave, a surprising election that had folks around Chicagoland cheering (and others, like Chicago-based chain Portillo's, making Pope-themed sandwiches to celebrate).

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, said he expects Pope Leo XIV "feels an obligation," to speak to what he called the issues of the day, amid "real challenges globally."

The new pontiff spoke to NBC News anchor Lester Holt, who was part of a news conference for some 6,000 journalists from around the world.

Jetlagged but excited, Pope Leo XIV’s brother John Prevost is catching up on daily life after a whirlwind few days in the Vatican.

The election of Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, as the new pontiff has delighted Catholics and officials alike.

Peruvians have celebrated the election of a man many knew as a missionary and bishop during his 2 decades of service in the South American country.

Before ascending to lead the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV — formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost — grew up in Chicago, spent decades in Peru, then arrived in Rome.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV vowed to take “every effort” Wednesday to work for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine and to actively promote the spirituality and traditions of the eastern rite churches, those Catholic communities with origins in the Mideast and eastern Europe that have been decimated by years of conflict and persecution.