Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pope, descends from Creole and free people of color in Louisiana, highlighting complex issues to race and class in American history.

Pope Leo XIV sent a message to the United States on Sunday after addressing the crowds in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican City.

Pope Leo XIV had an initial one-word response when asked by a reporter on Monday if he had a message for his native United States. It left observers wondering if the pontiff would soon have more to say about President Donald Trump’s policies.

The contrast between President Trump and Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV couldn’t be more stark, politically, personally, or in their world views.

"I hope to be able to respond to [the challenges] with a healthy dialogue," said Cardinal Robert Prevost in 2023.

On "This Week," Cardinal Cupich said Pope Leo XIV may call for changes to the United States immigration system.

Speaking to EWTN News Nightly anchor Catherine Hadro on Monday, Rooney — also a former U.S. representative — said that Leo will be a “fantastic Pope” because he “can communicate with people in a very clear but nonthreatening way.”

Louis Marius Prevost, the father of Pope Leo XIV, served on a D-Day landing ship during World War II and later became a junior lieutenant for the United States Navy.