Who is the new Pope Leo XIV and what are his views?
About 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide will have a new spiritual leader: Pope Leo XIV.
The election of Robert Frances Prevost, who chose the name Leo XIV, as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church marks two historic firsts.. Leo is be the first-ever U.S.-born pope to lead the church and the first pope from the Augustinian order.
On Thursday, the new pope appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and delivered a short speech. His opening words were, “Peace be with all of you!”
The 69-year-old pontiff added that he wanted his message of peace to “enter your hearts, reach your families and all people, wherever they are.” During his address, he spoke in Italian, Spanish and Latin.
The new pope thanked his fellow cardinals for selecting him. He also expressed gratitude to his former diocese in Peru and spoke warmly of Pope Francis, his late predecessor, before ending his remarks with a prayer.
Leo is known to share some of the same priorities as Francis, particularly when it comes to the environment and outreach to migrants and the poor, according to The College of Cardinals Report, a resource created by a team of Vatican journalists.
The new pope was born in Chicago in 1955, according to Vatican News. His father is of French and Italian descent, while his mother is of Spanish descent.
Leo studied at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers. He went on to attend Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where he received a degree in mathematics. He later pursued his theological education at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
Although the new pontiff is American, one of the most significant chapters of his ministry took place in Peru. Prevost served there for roughly two decades. Pope Francis appointed him as Bishop of Chiclayo in 2014 and he became a cardinal last year.
What’s behind the health care fight that led to the government shutdown
It's Obamacare health insurance prices — and how much help 24 million Americans will get with their premiums — that are in dispute.
Birmingham’s Furnace Fest celebrates big milestone and new beginnings
Twenty-five years ago, Furnace Fest roared from the belly of Birmingham’s historic Sloss Furnaces for the very first time. It's revival returns this weekend.
At least two people have been killed in an attack at a U.K. synagogue
The attack took place outside a synagogue in Manchester. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack "appalling" and "all the more horrific" for taking place on Yom Kippur, Judaism's holiest day.
VIDEO: Trump’s tariffs, changing markets and what an uncertain economy means for you
Eight months into Trump's second term, it's unclear what the larger impact of these tariffs will have on the economy. Despite that, the president keeps promising to roll out new ones.
In Trump country, a Democrat critiques Trump — and talks of succeeding him
NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear about his cross-party appeal in a state that has always overwhelmingly voted for Trump.
Research, curriculum and grading: new data sheds light on how professors are using AI
It's not just students, more professors are using AI in the classroom. But they say more guidance is needed on how to use the technology.
