The Roman Catholic Church has elected its first American-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago.
His election on 8 May, following the death of Pope Francis, marks a historic moment for Roman Catholicism.
While his American nationality is notable, it’s his connection to ‘social justice’ issues that is drawing attention across the Christian world.
The choice of the name ‘Leo XIV’ is seen as a deliberate nod to Pope Leo XIII, known for his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which emphasised workers’ rights and social justice.
