Sister Dianne Bergant recalls teaching Robert "Bob" Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV—during his time at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Bergant taught the future pope in an Old Testament class and says he was a reliable,

In his first days as pope, Leo XIV has struck many as an unassuming man of quiet warmth and deeply rooted identity. A visit to the part of Chicago where the first American Pontiff was raised gives an idea of how he got that way.

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."

Peruvians have celebrated the election of a man many knew as a missionary and bishop during his 2 decades of service in the South American country.

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 election of Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, as the new pontiff has delighted Catholics and officials alike.

Something like this is a nice little shot in the arm for the organization,” said chief revenue and marketing officer Brooks Boyer.

Born in the U.S., forged in Peru, chosen in Rome, Leo XIV will helm a church facing debt, division and decline