Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, said he expects Pope Leo XIV "feels an obligation," to speak to what he called the issues of the day, amid "real challenges globally."

Chicagoans celebrated the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the U.S. and a Chicago native, with joy and hope for a renewed focus on social justice and unity within the Catholic Church.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has made peace with Jannik Sinner. The top-ranked tennis player visited the new pope on Wednesday, gave him a tennis racket and offered to play, during an off day for Sinner at the Italian Open.

A special mass is underway at Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral for the first American-born pope. Pope Leo XIV grew up in South Suburban Dolton. Those who know him are reflecting on the humble beginnings of a global faith leader.

The school's students and staff expressed shock and excitement following the recent election of the first-ever American pope.

Heather and Dominic Jaroch tell PEOPLE about the time Pope Leo XIV, then simply known as “Father Bob," flew back to Chicago to preside over their wedding as a favor to her late father Ed

The new pontiff spoke to NBC News anchor Lester Holt, who was part of a news conference for some 6,000 journalists from around the world.

The elevation of Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost to pope earlier this month has been a point of pride for Chicagoland parishes, including in the north suburbs of Morton Grove, Park Ridge,