Experts see the new pontiff as less confrontational than his predecessor, but willing to stand up for the church's teachings.

I met the man who would become Pope Leo XIV in October 2023. We were standing outside the Vatican’s Synod Hall, and from my short conversation with Cardinal Robert Prevost, I could tell he was a good listener,

The new pontiff spoke to NBC News anchor Lester Holt, who was part of a news conference for some 6,000 journalists from around the world.

Pope Leo XIV is the first Pope from the Order of St. Augustine, which suggests he will promote peace and dialogue.

As much as Leo has echoed Francis, the first American pope has staked out differences, too. VATICAN CITY — As he has done in every major appearance since being named pope, Leo XIV invoked the name of his predecessor before a massive throng of 150,000 during his first Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo XIV's MAGA-supporting older brother, Louis Prevost, opened up about his controversial past social media posts after making his account private

Amid the mostly joyous reception for Robert Prevost, who stunned the world when he emerged from the loggia of St. Peter’s as Pope Leo XIV, one cloud on his reputation came from groups alleging that he had mishandled sexual abuse cases.

The U.S.-born pope spent about a dozen years as a missionary in Peru and returned there later to serve as a bishop.