After the passing of Pope Francis in April, 2025, Pope Leo XIV became the head of the Catholic Church at the Vatican after emerging as a dark horse candidate during the conclave.

A city state in the center of Rome, Vatican City has served as the administrative center of the Catholic Church for hundreds of years, but was only recognized as an independent country in 1929. It is believed that the construction of the original St. Peter's Basilica dates as far back as the 4th century.

Born Robert Francis Prevost in 1955, Pope Leo XIV ascended to the papacy on May 8, 2025. A cardinal since 2023, his career has been defined by advocacy for action against climate change, the championing of migrants, and a passion for human rights. He is consistently opposed to armed conflict and radical nationalism.

As a result, Leo has repeatedly found himself at odds with President Donald Trump’s administration in the US. Trump and his officials have on multiple occasions criticized and attacked Leo over his support for migrants and opposition to the death penalty.

The pontiff will face many challenges in the years to come, particularly responding to legacy scandals within the Catholic Church, such as historic sexual abuse cases.

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