A Chicago-born Cardinal is getting attention as a possible contender to be the new pope, but scholars say an American in the role is unlikely. Why it matters: For Catholics, the big question is whether the next pope's views will be aligned with the late Pope Francis' more progressive beliefs or the new leader will adhere to a more traditionalist doctrine.

The Prevost family belonged to the now-shuttered St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in the Riverdale neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, then populated by throngs of Catholic families.

Members of the papal conclave selected the American to serve as the 267th pope. He will take the name Leo XIV. He also has significant ties to the local area as a Villanova University alumnus. Here's more about Pope Leo XIV,