Just weeks into his historic papacy, Pope Leo XIV — the first U.S.-born leader of the Catholic Church — is already earning high marks from American Catholics. But a new AP-NORC poll shows many across the country are still getting to know him.

According to the survey, about two-thirds of American Catholics say they view Pope Leo favorably, with fewer than 1 in 10 expressing a negative opinion. However, roughly 3 in 10 Catholics admit they don’t yet know enough about him to say either way.

Among the general public, views are also largely positive — for those who’ve formed an opinion. The poll found that 44% of U.S. adults overall have a favorable impression of the new pope, while a similar number say they’re still unsure. Again, only about 1 in 10 express an unfavorable view.

A Pope with Bipartisan Appeal

Despite America’s deep political divides, Pope Leo is making inroads across party lines. Roughly half of Democrats and about 4 in 10 Republicans and independents say they view him favorably. Republicans are more likely to say they’re still undecided — but they’re not more likely to view him negatively. Across the political spectrum, only about 1 in 10 express an unfavorable opinion.

For many, hope springs from the idea that Pope Leo can bridge divides — both inside and outside the Church.

“I’m optimistic. Certainly, the first pope from the United States is significant,” said Terry Barber, a 50-year-old Democrat from Sacramento, California. He’s hoping for “a more progressive and modern church,” and believes Leo might bring some fresh ideas even while staying rooted in tradition.

On the other side of the aisle, Victoria Becude, a 38-year-old Republican from Florida, said she’s also hopeful. “I’m rooting for him,” she said. “I hope that America can get back to faith, and I hope he can do that.”

Unity Over Division

One of Pope Leo’s early promises has been to foster unity in a Church that has struggled with internal polarization in recent years. That message appears to be resonating. The poll shows no major partisan divide among Catholics themselves, with many expressing hope that Leo can move past the tensions of Pope Francis’ tenure.

He’s already begun to send signals about his priorities. Recently, he spoke out against rising nationalist movements, calling instead for “reconciliation and dialogue.” It’s a message that echoes his pledge to position the Church as a global symbol of peace.

As Cardinal Robert Prevost, Pope Leo was instrumental in one of Pope Francis’ major reforms: appointing women to the Vatican board that vets bishop nominations. While he’s maintained traditional teachings that women cannot be ordained as priests, his support for women in leadership roles is seen by many as a step forward.

“I expect he’ll continue promoting women in governance roles,” said Donald Hallstone, a 72-year-old Catholic from Oregon. “Women were not excluded in the first centuries. It’d be great to see them in those roles again.”

Diverse Hopes — and Some Contradictions

While some Catholics hope Pope Leo will push the Church in a more modern direction, others are hoping for a return to stricter doctrine — particularly on issues like same-sex marriage and abortion.

Becude, the Republican from Florida, for example, supports Pope Leo’s stance on marriage being between a man and a woman. But she diverges from Church teaching when it comes to abortion.

“I don’t believe that they should stop women from having abortions,” she said. “We should have our own rights, because you don’t know the circumstances behind the reason why a woman would want one in the first place.”

The mixed expectations underscore the balancing act Pope Leo faces: staying true to Church doctrine while responding to a rapidly changing world and increasingly diverse flock.

Younger Americans Still Forming Opinions

Not surprisingly, many Americans outside the Catholic Church — including Protestants and the religiously unaffiliated — haven’t yet formed strong opinions about Pope Leo. Around half of born-again Protestants, mainline Protestants, and religious “nones” say they don’t know enough about him to decide.

Still, younger Americans tend to be more cautious in forming opinions. Only about 4 in 10 adults under 30 say they have a favorable view of Pope Leo — but they’re also not hostile, with just 1 in 10 expressing a negative view.

For some, like Mercedes Drink, 31, a nonreligious woman from Minnesota who grew up in the pope’s hometown of Chicago, Pope Leo represents potential for positive change.

“I like him because he brings something different,” she said. “As a young woman, I hope he can bring change … open the world’s eyes to modernizing the church, bringing more people in, having more diversity.”

A Papacy Just Beginning

For now, Americans seem open-minded — even cautiously hopeful — about the direction Pope Leo XIV might take the Catholic Church. With relatively few detractors and many still undecided, his early months offer a rare window of goodwill.

But as his agenda comes into focus, opinions are likely to evolve. Whether he leans into reform or tradition, Pope Leo’s papacy will almost certainly shape the future of American Catholicism — and its place in the modern world.

Source: AP News – What US adults think about Pope Leo XIV, according to a new AP-NORC poll

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Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history, made a powerful statement during his inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square. Surrounded by world leaders, royalty, and tens of thousands of faithful, he condemned the exploitation of the poor and urged for unity within the Catholic Church.

A Historic Arrival and Warm Welcome

The 267th pope arrived at the Vatican riding the popemobile, greeted by the cheers of approximately 100,000 gathered worshippers. As he toured St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo paused to kiss a child, igniting chants of “Viva il Papa” and applause that echoed through the crowd. The excitement set a hopeful tone for the Mass ahead.

Global Leaders in Attendance

Among the notable guests were US Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky — who shared a handshake before the service. Later, Pope Leo met Zelensky at the Vatican. Peru’s President Dina Boluarte also attended, highlighting the deep ties Pope Leo has to the country where he spent decades as a missionary and bishop.

Representatives from over 150 countries joined the Vatican’s celebration, marking a truly international gathering.

A Homily Focused on Unity and Justice

In his homily, Pope Leo stressed that the Church must reject “religious propaganda” and power struggles. He called for unity — a clear nod to the ongoing tensions between reformists and conservatives that intensified under his predecessor, Pope Francis.

He also criticized economic systems that exploit natural resources and marginalize the poorest people, echoing Francis’s humble approach. Pope Leo described his role not as a personal achievement but as a brother and servant to the faithful, devoted to their joy and faith.

Prayers for Peace and Compassion

Closing the Mass, Pope Leo offered heartfelt prayers for “a just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and extended his compassion to Gaza, where innocent children and families face hunger and hardship.

Symbols of the Papal Office

The ceremony was rich with tradition. Pope Leo received two key symbols: the pallium, a lamb’s wool vestment symbolizing his pastoral care, and the fisherman’s ring, representing his authority as St. Peter’s successor. Applause erupted as he donned the pallium for the first time.

The Vatican revealed that the ring features an image of St. Peter, with “Leo XIV” and the pope’s coat of arms engraved inside. Bishops wear rings as a sign of their bond to their diocese, but the pope’s ring symbolizes his spiritual marriage to the entire Church. Leo appeared visibly moved as he looked at his ring.

A Focus on St. Peter

Scripture readings centered on St. Peter and a key passage from John’s Gospel, foundational to the pope’s mission as Peter’s successor.

A Shift from Coronation to Inauguration

Papal inaugurations have evolved over centuries. Unlike past ceremonies that included a coronation with the papal tiara, the last such coronation was in 1963 with Paul VI. Instead of wearing the tiara, Paul VI sold it and donated the proceeds to charity. Today, the tiara is displayed at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

Source: CNN – Pope Leo condemns exploitation of the poor and calls for unity in the church at inaugural Mass

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In his first public Mass as the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV issued a passionate call for unity, faith, and renewed purpose, declaring the Church a “beacon that illuminates the dark nights of this world.”

Standing before the cardinals in the historic Sistine Chapel just one day after being elected the 267th Pope — and the first American ever to hold the position — Leo XIV warned of a deep spiritual void in modern society. In his sermon, he urged the faithful to resist the growing pull toward “technology, money, success, power, or pleasure” at the expense of belief and human dignity.

“A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life,” Pope Leo said, noting how today’s world suffers from “the crisis of the family, the neglect of mercy, and violations of human dignity.”

A New Era Begins

The ascension of Pope Leo XIV — born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago — has been met with celebration across the globe. Joyous crowds gathered in his hometown and in Peru, where he served as a missionary for two decades and earned citizenship in 2015.

On Thursday evening, tens of thousands erupted in St. Peter’s Square as white smoke signaled the election of a new Pope. Moments later, Prevost stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, laying out his vision of a missionary Church that “builds bridges, holds dialogue, and is always open.”

A Message of Unity

During Friday’s Mass, Pope Leo, 69, wore a white robe trimmed in gold and addressed the cardinals in Italian. Before beginning his homily, he spoke in English with a clear American accent, calling on Church leaders to walk with him in unity.

“I know I can rely on each and every one of you,” he told them warmly.

He stressed the importance of reaching even those who view Christian faith as “absurd” in a world increasingly ruled by power and wealth — saying these are precisely the places where the Church’s mission is most needed.

Continuity with Pope Francis

Leo XIV is seen as a natural successor to the late Pope Francis, who passed away two weeks prior. Like his predecessor, Leo has a history of championing human rights and outreach to the poor. He was appointed cardinal in 2023 and had previously served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru.

Many Vatican observers believe Francis played a role in paving the way for Leo’s election, bringing him to Rome in recent years to take on influential roles within the Church.

Not Afraid to Speak Out

Known for his advocacy and moral clarity, Leo XIV hasn’t shied away from speaking on political issues. As a cardinal, he voiced criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and challenged Vice President JD Vance’s controversial comments on Christian love.

“Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others,” he posted on X earlier this year, pushing back on Vance’s hierarchy of love.

Now as Pope, Leo XIV enters one of the most high-profile roles in the world during a time of conflict and division. Many are looking to him as a unifying spiritual voice capable of countering rising hostility and polarization.

What Comes Next

The world will get a closer look at the new Pope’s leadership in the coming days. He is scheduled to lead Sunday’s Regina Coeli prayer at St. Peter’s Basilica and will hold a press conference with global journalists on Monday — appearances expected to set the tone for his papacy.

As Pope Leo XIV steps into the global spotlight, Catholics and non-Catholics alike are watching closely. Can this American-born pontiff deliver on his vision of a more inclusive, peaceful, and outward-facing Church?

Source: AP News – Pope Leo XIV calls Church ‘a beacon to illuminate dark nights’ in first Mass

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VATICAN CITY — As the Catholic Church prepares to choose a new leader, a familiar signal of tradition has returned to the Vatican skyline: the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel.

On Friday, Vatican firefighters installed the chimney that will once again deliver plumes of smoke to signal the election—or indecision—of a new pope. The installation marks a key step in the preparations for the highly anticipated May 7 conclave, where cardinals will vote in secrecy to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.

During the conclave, cardinals cast their ballots in the Sistine Chapel. After every two rounds of voting, the ballots are burned to send a signal to the waiting world outside:

• Black smoke means no pope has been chosen.
• White smoke signals that a new pontiff has been elected.

The chemical recipes for these signals are carefully controlled: black smoke is produced by mixing the ballots with compounds like potassium perchlorate and sulfur, while white smoke comes from a different combination, including potassium chlorate and lactose.

This symbolic tradition captured global attention in 2013, when white smoke rose from the chimney on the fifth ballot, and Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was revealed as Pope Francis—the first Latin American pope in history.

While preparations continue above, intense discussions are taking place below. Cardinals from around the world—including those over age 80 who cannot vote—have gathered in Rome for a series of pre-conclave meetings, debating the direction of the Church and the qualities needed in its next spiritual leader.

Among the pressing topics:

• The Vatican’s troubled finances
• Diverging opinions on Pope Francis’ legacy
• The future role of women and laypeople in Church leadership

Francis was praised for prioritizing the poor and opening leadership roles to non-clergy, but his reforms also sparked controversy—especially among conservative members of the Church.

One point of contention has been Francis’ 2022 Vatican constitution, which restructured the Church’s governing bodies. For the first time, two laymen were appointed to lead key Vatican departments, and two nuns—Sister Simona Brambilla and Sister Raffaella Petrini—took charge of major offices, with Petrini now running the Vatican City State itself.

Ironically, the very firefighters who installed the Sistine Chapel chimney fall under Petrini’s authority—a symbol of how far Francis’ reforms reached.

Not everyone welcomed these changes. Cardinal Beniamino Stella, a retired Vatican official, reportedly criticized the shift away from clergy-dominated governance. According to America Magazine, Stella voiced concern that separating the priesthood from Church authority could weaken the institution’s structure.

Still, his influence may be limited. At 83, he will not vote in the conclave, and the younger generation of 135 cardinal electors may have different priorities.

Some, like Cardinal Fernando Filoni, are calling for unity above all else. “The pope has to ensure the unity of all of the Church,” said the 79-year-old, a veteran of the Vatican’s evangelization mission.

Others, such as Cardinal Fernando Chomali of Chile—appointed by Francis and deeply engaged in the Church’s response to clergy abuse scandals—see the diversity of views as a strength.

“Coming from a faraway country like Chile, hearing so many different perspectives is enriching,” Chomali said.

With the chimney now in place and tensions rising, all eyes turn to the Sistine Chapel once again. Soon, the world will be watching for a puff of white smoke—and the name of the next pope.

Source: AP News – Vatican firefighters install a chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel for the papal election

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VATICAN CITY — Journalists packed the gates of Vatican City Monday, eager for any clues as Catholic cardinals gathered for informal talks ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope. A formal date for the conclave could be set as early as this week.

In a chaotic scene, reporters shouted questions at the arriving cardinals — pressing them about unity, possible divisions, and when voting would begin. One satirical Italian TV reporter even grilled cardinals about whether a controversial, convicted cleric would be allowed to cast a vote.

“There is hope for unity,” said Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, archbishop of Cordoba, who was elevated to cardinal just last year by Pope Francis.

Many cardinals voiced a desire to continue Francis’ pastoral focus on marginalized communities and a church against war. However, conservative factions are hoping for a return to traditional doctrines championed by Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI — with less emphasis on social justice, outreach to women, and LGBTQ+ issues.

British Cardinal Vincent Nichols, archbishop of Westminster, emphasized the importance of unity, brushing off talk of major divisions.
“The role of the pope is to hold us together — that’s a grace from God,” Nichols said.

Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo predicted the conclave could wrap up quickly once underway, suggesting a new pope could be chosen in just two or three days.

This conclave will bring together a College of Cardinals heavily shaped by Francis himself. Of the 135 cardinals eligible to vote, 108 were appointed by him — many from outside Europe. However, many of these cardinals don’t know each other well, adding an element of unpredictability to the process.

“We’ve got all week,” said Nichols, noting the time needed for cardinals to build consensus.

Only cardinals under 80 years old can vote. Some uncertainty remains about final participation, as one Spanish cardinal has already bowed out for health reasons.

One major question hovers over Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a former Vatican powerbroker convicted of financial crimes last year. Officially listed as a “non-elector,” Becciu insists he still has the right to vote, sparking debates among canon lawyers.

While many of Francis’ appointees will cast ballots, it doesn’t guarantee they’ll choose a pope in his image.

Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi — seen by some as a frontrunner — was swarmed by journalists as he entered the Vatican, navigating the media scrum with humor but offering no hints about the proceedings.

Cardinals from Africa, Asia, and Latin America are expected to be influential in the decision.

Nigerian Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, although too old to vote, dismissed rumors of political alliances among African cardinals.
“We’re not here for a political rally. We’re here to get a pope,” he said.

African cardinals made headlines last year for their unified resistance to Francis’ outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics — a stance that could influence the election against progressive candidates.

Meanwhile, voices from Asia and Latin America also stressed unity. Indian Cardinal Anthony Poola, one of four Indian electors, said he felt positive but realistic:
“Anything could happen,” Poola said.

Rossi, the Argentine cardinal, hopes the next pope will carry forward Francis’ message of mercy, charity, and faith. Asked how he felt about his first conclave, he laughed and said simply:
“Afraid.”

Source: AP News – Journalists swarm cardinals at the Vatican gates as they meet to plan a conclave

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The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang solemnly as tens of thousands gathered in Vatican City to bid farewell to Pope Francis, a leader remembered as a champion of the poor, migrants, and the marginalized.

The funeral Mass, held on the steps of the iconic basilica, drew an extraordinary crowd — over 250,000 mourners in the square and along the 6-kilometer procession route through Rome. More than 50 world leaders and 11 monarchs paid their respects, including U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, Argentine President Javier Milei, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.

As the modest wooden coffin was carried back into the basilica, applause broke the solemn silence of the crowd. After the service, Francis’ body was taken across the River Tiber to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore for burial, passing Rome’s ancient Colosseum along the way.

“I loved him from the very first moment because he was human, with such an open heart,” said Anita Althaus, who drove overnight from Germany to attend. “He had love always.”

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, died at age 88 following a stroke on Easter Monday — just one day after giving his final public blessing in St. Peter’s Square.

His funeral was simple by design, following his own wishes to focus not on power, but on his identity as a humble pastor. Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, leading the homily, praised Francis’ relentless advocacy for refugees, the poor, and peace amid the world’s wars.

“Build bridges, not walls,” was a refrain Francis often repeated, Cardinal Re reminded mourners.

The ceremony also reflected the pope’s global reach. Prayers were offered in multiple languages, including French, Arabic, Portuguese, Polish, German — and for the first time, Mandarin Chinese.

Holy Communion was distributed to both cardinals and laypeople, with handshakes and warm greetings rippling through the crowd, capturing the uplifting spirit Francis often encouraged.

True to his mission, Pope Francis ensured that the poor, homeless, migrants, and other marginalized groups were not only invited to the funeral but given a front-row place to honor him. A group of transgender women living in a Roman convent also attended, illustrating Francis’ lifelong efforts to include those often overlooked by the Church.

“The poor have a privileged place in the heart of God,” a Vatican statement emphasized — a belief Francis lived until his final day.

For his burial, Francis chose Santa Maria Maggiore, becoming the first pope in more than 300 years to be interred there — away from the public eye, among the people he championed.

Sister Evelyn, attending from the Basilica, said, “When Pope Francis recognized us in the periphery, we felt seen. Will the next pope see us too?”

Francis was a trailblazer: the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first modern pope born outside Europe. Elected in 2013, he ushered in progressive reforms, expanding roles for women and softening the Church’s tone on LGBTQ+ issues. His famous words on sexual orientation — “Who am I to judge?” — captured his pastoral approach.

He approved blessings for same-sex couples, though without changing official doctrine, and he remained a vocal critic of nationalism and harsh immigration policies, including rebukes of the Trump administration.

Still, his papacy was not without controversy. Survivors and activists say more work remains to address clerical sexual abuse, and divisions over Church teachings on sexuality persist. Some conservative factions within the Church openly criticized his leadership.

The next pope will be chosen in a closed-door conclave, with tensions expected between cardinals who wish to continue Francis’ progressive path and those who seek to shift the Church back toward conservatism.

Many young Catholics, however, hope for continuity.

“I hope the next pope will be close to the people, like Francis,” said Candela Rodríguez, a 21-year-old student from Spain attending the funeral. “He did a good job of bringing religion closer to young people.”

Across Vatican City, mourners echoed a similar feeling: deep sadness at the loss, and gratitude for a life devoted to compassion, reform, and service to those who needed it most.

“He was a simple man who loved others,” said Sister Luisa, a nun from Munich. “We feel blessed — and we feel sorrow.”

Source: CNN – Francis celebrated as ‘pope among the people’ in Vatican funeral attended by massive crowd

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Thousands of mourners poured into St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, paying their final respects to Pope Francis as three days of public viewing began ahead of Saturday’s funeral.

Under the vaulted ceilings of the 16th-century basilica, an open wooden casket holding the body of Pope Francis was placed humbly on a ramp, not on a raised platform like past popes — a deliberate choice reflecting his wishes for a simpler farewell. Dressed in red liturgical robes, rosary in hand, and wearing the traditional bishop’s miter, the beloved pontiff lay in state near the main altar as Swiss Guards stood in solemn watch.

By the end of the first day, nearly 20,000 people had quietly filed past the casket — some tearful, some praying, others capturing the moment with their phones.

“It gave me chills,” said Ivenes Bianco, who traveled from Brindisi while in Rome for medical treatment. “He brought people together. He was important to me.”

A Farewell Fit for a Shepherd

The Vatican says it may extend public viewing hours to accommodate the growing crowd. Inside the basilica, the atmosphere was reverent — the gentle squeak of sneakers, the shuffle of robes, the whisper of prayers, and the occasional cry of a child.

Earlier that morning, the basilica’s bells tolled as pallbearers carried Francis’ body in a solemn procession across St. Peter’s Square — the same place where he had offered his final blessing just weeks ago during a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, defying his fragile health.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is temporarily overseeing Vatican affairs, led the procession, flanked by cardinals, bishops, and members of the clergy. Incense filled the air as the Litany of Saints echoed through the basilica.

“It feels like losing a family member,” said Rosa Morghen from Naples. “He was like a father or grandfather to us.”

Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at age 88, leaves behind a 12-year papacy defined by his compassion for the poor, commitment to interfaith dialogue, and push for a more inclusive Catholic Church. While admired globally, his progressive views occasionally drew criticism from conservative circles.

His simple final wishes were honored from the start: Francis first lay in state privately at the Vatican guesthouse he called home, before moving to the basilica for the public to say goodbye.

The viewing will continue until Friday at 7 p.m., after which the casket will be closed and sealed.

The funeral Mass is set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, drawing world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Behind the scenes, cardinals are already preparing for the conclave — the sacred process that will elect the next pope. With 133 eligible cardinals under the age of 80, the secretive vote is expected to begin after May 5.

While speculation swirls about possible successors, many are reflecting on Francis’ global legacy. From Asia to the South Pacific, representatives are traveling to Rome, hopeful about the Church’s next chapter.

“There’s no East or West for the Lord,” said South Korean Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, when asked if the next pope might come from Asia.

John Ribat, the first cardinal from Papua New Guinea, expressed pride in representing the island nation, saying he hopes for a leader who can unite the Church in truth and compassion.

“We’ve lost our leader,” said Brazilian pilgrim Julio Henrique, “but we also hold onto hope — hope for who will next take Peter’s throne.”

Source: AP News – Catholic faithful pay their final respects to Pope Francis as public viewing begins

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