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."

A Chicago-born Cardinal is getting attention as a possible contender to be the new pope, but scholars say an American in the role is unlikely. Why it matters: For Catholics, the big question is whether the next pope's views will be aligned with the late Pope Francis' more progressive beliefs or the new leader will adhere to a more traditionalist doctrine.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, said on Sunday that he thinks Pope Leo XIV will carry forward Francis’s commitment and focus on immigration, climate change and human trafficking.

At a conclave with many new members, a swift, stunning consensus built around an unknown to many outside of the church.

With this one simple Latin word – literally, I accept — Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, Chicago native, a priest of the religious order known as the Augustinians, missionary to Peru, Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, and Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops of the Roman curia, ceased to be.

"The Pope is from Chicago. This is one of the biggest moments in the modern history of our city," said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement.

Nazareth Academy President Deborah Tracy said Pope Leo XIV will continue work inline with Nazareth and the Sisters of St. Joseph.

A charter company is inviting travelers to fly in divine style on a direct route from Pope Leo XIV’s native Chicago to Italy’s iconic capital in celebration of his becoming the first American pontiff.