Pope Francis
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Francis was the ultimate Vatican outsider and charted a more progressive course in his approach to marginalized groups.
MORE ON POPE FRANCIS
Vatican commission says 'no' to women as Catholic deacons
Discussions over women becoming deacons, who are ordained and can assist with services but cannot celebrate Mass, have convulsed the 1.4 billion-member Church.
'A nice geek from the Midwest': Leo's brand emerges during first foreign trip as pope
The new pontiff has been far more reserved than his outspoken predecessor. But many of their underlying progressive messages remain the same.
Middle East
Pope Leo warns 'future of humanity is at stake' on his first foreign trip to Turkey
Ahead of his visit, Leo shared a Thanksgiving message with NBC News encouraging all people "to recognize that we have all received so many gifts."
Francis' popemobile transformed into mobile clinic for Gaza children
“We’re pleased that we have here a serious contribution towards the health care of children in Gaza,” Caritas Secretary-General Alistair Dutton said in Bethlehem.
OUT Life and Style
LGBTQ Catholics make Holy Year pilgrimage to Rome and celebrate a new sense of acceptance
Several LGBTQ groups participated in the pilgrimage to the Vatican for the Jubilee Year, the once-every-quarter century celebration of Catholicism. 
Italy
Teen known as 'God's influencer' to become the first millennial saint
Carlo Acutis was just 15 when he died of leukemia in Milan in 2006 and has two miracles attributed to him by the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo meets LGBTQ Catholic advocate and vows continuity with Francis' welcoming legacy
The audience was significant because it showed a sign of continuity with Francis, who more worked to make the Catholic Church a more welcoming place for LGBTQ Catholics. 
Where Catholicism is growing in the U.S.
Pope Leo XIV’s home state of Illinois has seen one of the largest declines in Catholic worshippers.
Leo XIV is the first Augustinian friar to become pope
Leo is also the first Augustinian friar to become pope, rising through the ranks as a friar in an order centered on communal life and humility.
Live Updates
Papal conclave 2025 live updates: Robert Francis Prevost becomes first U.S.-born pope
Robert Francis Prevost will be known as Pope Leo XIV. Born in Chicago, he was elected on the second day of the conclave.
Pope Leo XIV's 'godly' path from Chicago to the Vatican
The new leader of 1.4 billion Catholics around the world grew up in a Chicago suburb and was recognized as "just godly" by his elementary school classmates.
