Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost) is the new pope, an American.

He's being called like-minded to Pope Francis. I'd say yes to that. Like Francis, Pope Leo doesn't want women to be priests, he cares about the environment, he's for immigrants, he's been accused of ignoring sex abuse claims, and he's pretty negative about gay relationships (Francis is seen as liberal on this, which just isn't true).

For more info on this stuff ... Where Pope Leo Stands On Specific Issues ... Who is Robert Prevost? The American cardinal who is the new Pope Leo XIV

Although I find it depressing that women and gay people and sex abuse survivors probably won't have an advocate in the new pope, I still feel kind of hopeful about him. He chose to join the Augustinian order. The person they follow, Augustine of Hippo, was a really interesting guy (I read his Confessions in school). If you want to learn more about him, I recommend a movie, Restless Heart: The Confessions of Saint Augustine. Here's the trailer ...