According to Gates Jr., Pope Leo is also related to Boucher de Grandpre, who fought against the British during the Revolutionary War with the Louisiana militia, as well as Antonio José de Sucre, who opposed Spanish forces during the Battle of Ayacucho.

While excitement over the new head of the Roman Catholic Church has sparked interest in his background, questions about his finances have also been swirling.

Abuse experts and survivors express a mix of tentative hopes and low expectations for how Pope Leo might address disciplining abusers, supporting victims and ensuring that the church is a safe environment for all.

The first U.S. bishop appointed by Pope Leo XIV has called for priests, deacons and parish leaders to accompany migrants to court and stand in solidarity with them.

Pope Leo XIV earns about $33K a month—but does he get Social Security? Here’s what U.S. law says about his income, benefits and more.

Matthew Gamboa, a 15-year-old who attends St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois, said he was inspired by the Pope’s encouragement to be “a beacon of light,” even though he might be only a high schooler.

"I appeal to responsibility and reason." "No country should ever threaten the existence of another." In St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV, the day after Iranian missiles hit Tel Aviv and

Pope Leo XIV waves after walking onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican May 8, 2025, following his election during the conclave. He is the first American pope and the first Augustinian pope in history. (OSV News photo/Catholic Press Photo/Vatican Media)

I truly believe Pope Leo will be very supportive of the renewal and of other lay movements,” said Shayne Bennett of Holy Spirit Seminary in Brisbane, Australia.