Religion

White smoke emerges, as St. Peter's Square erupts in celebration

4:23am May 09, 2025

by Leila Fadel

In a historic and unpredictable moment, white smoke billowed out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, as the first pope from the United States of America was unveiled.

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Religion

The Catholic Church under Pope Leo XIV

4:22am May 09, 2025

by Steve Inskeep

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Massimo Faggioli, professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University — the new Pope's alma mater — about the direction the Catholic Church will likely take under Pope Leo XIV.

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Religion

What it means to have a pope from Chicago

4:20am May 09, 2025

by Leila Fadel

Robert Prevost was born and raised in the Chicago Area. How will that shape his papacy? NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Loyola University Theologian Susan Ross.

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Religion

Chicago Catholics react to the news of Pope Leo X1V

6:26pm May 08, 2025

Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic church, grew up in the Chicago area and Catholics in Chicago are overjoyed.

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Who is the new Pope Leo XIV and what is his background?

5:54pm May 08, 2025

Pope Leo XIV was born and raised in Chicago. He is of French, Italian and Spanish descent. He spent years working as a missionary in Peru.

Transcript of Cardinal Robert Prevost's first speech as Pope Leo XIV

4:55pm May 08, 2025

Cardinal Robert Prevost made his first speech as Pope Leo XIV on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, shortly after being elected pontiff. This is a transcript of the speech, translated from its original Italian.

Religion

A packed St. Peter's Square reacts with joy to the new pope

4:53pm May 08, 2025

by Ruth Sherlock

Habemus Papam, the College of Cardinals has elected a pope, and the crowd in Vatican Square went wild.

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Religion

The Catholic Church has a new leader — and for the first time ever, he's an American

4:38pm May 08, 2025

by Jason DeRose

For the first time in history, the College of Cardinals has chosen an American pope, Robert Francis Prevost, who chose the name Pope Leo XIV.

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'Just overjoyed': Augustinian priest reacts to new pope

4:35pm May 08, 2025

by Sarah Handel

Pope Leo XIV is the first Augustinian friar ever to be selected to lead the Catholic Church. The Villanova graduate was raised in Chicago, where he was known as Robert Prevost.

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Cardinal Robert Prevost becomes the first American pope, choosing the name Leo XIV

12:09pm May 08, 2025

Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected pope, the first time an American has led the Roman Catholic Church. Prevost, 69, chose the name Pope Leo XIV.