Prior to his elevation to the papacy, Leo XIV stayed out of the spotlight on certain reforms backed by his predecessor but maintained a close relationship with Pope Francis.

Amid his run at the 2025 Italian Open, world no. 1 Jannik Sinner enjoyed a memorable off-court moment as he met Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. On Wednesday, the 23-year-old star was received in a private audience alongside his family and the president of the Italian Tennis Federation, Mr. Angelo Binaghi.

The newly elected pope followed in his predecessor's footsteps, calling for ceasefires in Ukraine, Gaza, India, Pakistan and Kashmir.

The first American pope — previously known as Cardinal Robert Prevost — was elected on May 8 Pope Leo XIV has plenty to say about his home country. The first-ever American pope was elected to lead the Catholic church on May 8.