Nevertheless, the women who have worked closely with Prevost in recent years have praised his leadership style, ability to listen and respect for their opinions. In interviews with The Associated Press, they say they expect that as pope, Leo will continue to promote women in church governance positions, albeit with limits.

Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025. Many world leaders are expected to attend his funeral in Vatican City, including President Donald Trump, Prince William, and President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Typically, popes are laid to rest beneath St. Peter's Basilica. On Saturday, Francis became the first Catholic leader in over 120 years to be buried outside the holy city, according to Vatican News.

A papal conclave is set to begin in Vatican City starting May 7, during which cardinals from around the world will elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic church. The tradition occurs any time a pope dies or resigns from the office. Pope Francis died April 21, the day after Easter.

When the conclave's cardinals finish casting their ballots under Michelangelo's frescoed ceilings of the Sistine Chapel, the 267th pope will have to decide whether to continue Francis’ policies.

As a fireworks expert tests the Vatican's contemporary system for "holy smoke," Catholic cardinals mull their divergent priorities for Pope Francis' successor.

Pope Leo XIV has broken the seal on the papal apartments, marking one of his first major symbolic moments as pontiff

The pop star was photographed on May 8 in attendance at the conclave election of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, which is a photo that has now gone viral.