pope leo

Vatican breaks ground with first pope from United States

Patrick Beane

Formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV has been the head of the Catholic church for a little more than a week.

Jodi McLawhorn is the assistance superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Gary.

Gary Diocese assistant schools superintendent surprised when priest she'd known for years named pope

Michael Gallenberger, Lakeshore Public Media

Jodi McLawhorn was watching the announcement from her office at the Diocese of Gary Pastoral Center, where she works as assistant superintendent of schools.

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, left, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, appears (left) at the Vatican shortly after his election as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Thursday, May 8, 2025.

IU expert says international background will help first US pope

Isabella Vesperini

The 69-year-old from Chicago worked for a decade in Peru before serving as a bishop there for nine years.

Betting on a new pope dates to 15th Century; today’s selection was a longshot

Aubrey Wright

While Catholics around the world celebrated the selection of a new pope Thursday, some are cashing out.  