The Chicago-born pontiff is the first American to lead the Catholic Church, and while his positions on some of the church’s hot-button issues remain unclear, he has signaled continuity with his predecessor, who challenged norms, embraced migrants and the poor, and sought to build an inclusive church.

Pope Leo XIV’s first homily, delivered to his fellow cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, was a mission statement about missions. First, that the Roman Catholic Church must be humble and lead through example (not lording it over the laity).

A Newsmax reporter had asked the question of Pope Leo at the pontiff's audience with journalists in the Vatican on Monday. Leo is the first-ever pope born in the U.S. His comments on social media around immigration in particular have caught attention, and raise the possibility future clashes with the Trump Administration.

Pope Leo also celebrated Mother’s Day as jubilee bands and thousands of pilgrims created a festive atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.

In his first days as pope, Leo XIV has struck many as an unassuming man of quiet warmth and deeply rooted identity. A visit to the part of Chicago where the first American Pontiff was raised gives an idea of how he got that way.

Pope Leo XIV called for peaceful communication and thanked journalists worldwide for sharing stories illuminating truth, humanity, and hope.

One of Pope Leo's older brothers is opening up in this week's issue of PEOPLE about the pontiff's childhood growing up on the South Side of Chicago as the youngest of three brothers — as well as the new pope's dedication to his faith and unique skills as a leader.

The 73-year-old Florida man appears to be a staunch Trump supporter who uses his Facebook account to go on the attack.