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` tags. ` Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, achieved a historic milestone on Thursday, May 8, with his election as the first American Pope. The Chicago-born leader, who dedicated numerous years to missionary work in Peru, greeted the enthusiastic crowd from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, addressing them in both Spanish and Italian. On Friday morning, Pope Leo delivered his first mass as the Pontiff. Clad in a white robe adorned with a gold border, a tall white miter, and holding a gold crucifix, Pope Leo gave his initial homily. He addressed the cardinals who had elected him the previous day, speaking in his native English, as well as Latin and Italian. Leo described his appointment as Pope as both a challenge and a gift, emphasizing the shared duty of himself and the cardinals to promote Christianity in a world that sometimes scorns faith. “You have called me to shoulder this burden and be blessed with this purpose, and I am confident I can count on each of you to join me as we continue as a church, as a community, as friends of Jesus, as believers, to share the good news, to proclaim the Gospel,” the new Bishop of Rome said in English. He cautioned against “practical atheism” among Christians who view Jesus as merely a “charismatic leader” rather than the savior, and he also lauded the late Pope Francis, highlighting his predecessor's emphasis on missionary work as a leader. Concluding his homily, Pope Leo XIV chose to concentrate on humility within the Vatican's leadership and the priesthood, quoting St. Ignatius of Antioch: “Then I will truly be a disciple of Jesus Christ, when the world no longer sees my body.” Leo stated that this quote is applicable to Church leadership, stressing that Cardinals must "step aside so that Christ may remain," and should make themselves "small so that he may be known." The reminder of the importance of humility mirrors the teachings of his predecessor, Pope Francis. While this marked Leo’s inaugural mass as head of the Catholic Church, it was limited to the 132 cardinals who elected him as Pontiff. On May 18, Leo will give a speech that will be open to a broader audience.

A perpetually runny nose can be more than just a nuisance; it can negatively impact your daily life. According to Dr. William Reisacher, an ENT specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, constantly needing to sniff or use tissues due to a runny nose can significantly affect your overall well-being. Medically, a persistent runny nose is termed persistent or chronic rhinitis, lasting over 12 weeks, explains Dr. Natalie Earl, an otolaryngologist at the Centers for Advanced ENT Care—Feldman ENT Division. It's also known as chronic rhinorrhea. Earl notes that the mucus can vary in consistency and color, ranging from clear and watery to thick and colorful, and often requires medication to alleviate. This differs from a runny nose caused by an acute condition like a cold, which typically resolves within a few days to less than four weeks, according to Earl. While a chronic runny nose might not be a major health issue, it shouldn't be ignored. Reisacher emphasizes that people often hesitate to seek help for it, considering it a trivial problem. However, he points out that it's a condition that ENTs commonly address. Reisacher advises consulting a healthcare professional for persistent runny noses to determine the cause and find relief. Here are several common causes of runny noses: Allergies Earl states that allergies are a primary cause of chronic runny noses. Allergic reactions usually present with additional symptoms like sneezing, nasal itching, and congestion, as well as possible eye irritation. Weather changes Fluctuations in temperature, air pressure, and other weather conditions can trigger a runny nose. Reisacher explains that significant environmental changes can lead to persistent sniffing. He describes the nose as reacting like a thermometer, hygrometer, and barometer. Similarly, environmental changes like nearby construction causing dust and dirt can also irritate the nose, he adds. Medications Reisacher mentions that certain medications, such as beta-blockers for high blood pressure, are known to cause runny noses as a side effect. The (ACAAI) notes that hormonal birth control can also produce similar symptoms. Changes in medication type or dosage can also result in a persistent runny nose, he adds. Structural problems Reisacher says that ENTs are trained to identify structural issues in the nose that might cause symptoms. These include nasal polyps, small growths in the nasal lining, or a deviated septum, where the nasal wall is shifted to one side, . Pregnancy Pregnancy causes numerous bodily changes, including nasal changes. Reisacher explains that hormonal shifts increase blood flow to support the developing baby, which can affect nasal tissues, causing them to produce more fluid. He notes that symptoms resembling allergies or persistent congestion can emerge, usually starting in the second trimester, even in women without prior allergies. What to do about it  Reisacher advises consulting a doctor whenever you're concerned about your symptoms, rather than waiting for weeks. Earl suggests trying over-the-counter saline or steroid nasal sprays and oral antihistamines, especially if allergies are suspected. Given the wide variety of options, consulting a doctor for recommendations may be helpful. Earl recommends seeking professional medical advice if these medications don't provide relief within two weeks. Reisacher advises discussing any recent medication changes with your doctor, who may suggest ways to mitigate the side effect or manage the drainage. He also stresses the importance of discussing your environment and any recent changes. Since there's no single blood test to pinpoint the cause, a thorough medical history and a skilled physician's interpretation are essential for diagnosing and treating the underlying issue.

A film depicting the life of Lilly Ledbetter, the namesake of Congress’s , is set to premiere in theaters on May 9, seven months after her passing. Lilly, a biopic starring Patricia Clarkson, portrays Ledbetter's experience as a Goodyear employee who discovered pay disparity with her male counterparts and her subsequent legal fight that reached the U.S. Supreme Court. The movie highlights the significant 2009 enactment of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Here's a look at the real-life figure behind Lilly. Lilly Ledbetter’s Struggles Ledbetter's impoverished upbringing was crucial in building the resilience needed to withstand a prolonged legal battle. Born in Alabama in 1938, she grew up during a time when women had limited professional opportunities. Lanier Scott Isom, who assisted Ledbetter in writing her 2012 memoir, Grace and Grit: My Fight for Equal Pay and Fairness at Goodyear and Beyond, noted that she grew up without basic amenities and limited education, and her clothes were made from simple materials. She was known for her work ethic, even working at a chicken processing plant to support her family. In 1979, already a married mother, she took on a supervisory role at Goodyear’s plant in Gadsden, Alabama. While her husband supported her career, she faced opposition from men who felt intimidated by her presence. Ledbetter was always candid about the sexual harassment she endured at work. Isom recounted an incident where a supervisor suggested a promotion in exchange for a sexual encounter. Rachel Feldman, the writer and director of Lilly, shared examples of the harassment Ledbetter faced, including inappropriate comments about her clothing and general discomfort with women in the workplace. Beyond work, Ledbetter also faced sexism in healthcare when a doctor suggested she earn money for her son's surgery by participating in a program involving hysterectomies for training surgeons. After 19 years at Goodyear, she discovered she was earning less than a younger male colleague she had trained. She received an anonymous note revealing the salaries of her male counterparts, showing a disparity of up to $2,000 per month. Lilly Ledbetter’s Fight for Equal Pay Jon Goldfarb, a young lawyer portrayed by Thomas Sadoski in the film, took on Ledbetter’s case, and Lilly largely depicts their legal battle. Although she initially won in federal court, Goodyear's appeal overturned the decision. In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against her, citing the requirement to file claims within 180 days of a discriminatory act. Ruth Bader Ginsburg addressed Ledbetter in her dissenting opinion, suggesting that she could continue her fight in Congress. The film incorporates genuine interviews and speeches by Ginsburg about Ledbetter. Ledbetter's fight for legislation was further complicated by her husband's battle with cancer, which included jaw removal surgery. Despite these challenges, he wholeheartedly supported her efforts and trips to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the bill. President Barack Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law on January 29, 2009, early in his first term. Ledbetter also had the opportunity to dance with Obama on Inauguration Day, fulfilling a lifelong dream rooted in her childhood love for ballroom dancing. The law stipulated that pay discrimination claims must be made within 180 days of an employee’s most recent paycheck, rather than 180 days after the initial discriminatory paycheck. However, as the New York Times noted, Ledbetter was not entitled to back pay from Goodyear because the discriminatory paychecks predated the law's enactment. Lilly Ledbetter’s legacy Ledbetter passed away on October 12, 2024, at the age of 86. Lilly serves as a fitting tribute to her, as she was a film enthusiast who enjoyed movies starring and Fred Astaire. Feldman highlighted Ledbetter’s understanding of film's impact, noting that it could affect people on an emotional and intellectual level. Feldman consulted Ledbetter throughout the script-writing phase, often seeking her input on dialogue. For example, when trying to create a line for the fictional Ledbetter to say at a press briefing, the real Ledbetter suggested that her character should express her dream of winning the lottery as a way to calm her nerves. Marc Benioff, owner of TIME and producer of the film, recalled his first encounter with Ledbetter in a , and how she inspired him to address pay disparities at Salesforce. By 2022, the company had invested $22 million in achieving pay equity, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to uphold equality as a core value. Feldman conveyed her hope that viewers recognize "the importance of male allies." While the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is a , it hasn't completely eliminated the . According to the , women in 2024 earned an average of 85% of what men earned. ```

Tim Robinson, known for his writing and performances, including his role alongside in the awkward comedy Friendship, demonstrates comedic brilliance. Similar to his sketch series , Robinson excels in crafting uniquely uncomfortable scenarios. He often portrays a seemingly oblivious but subtly irate character, delivering inappropriate remarks and displaying mismatched facial expressions and unusual body language. I Think You Should Leave presents absurd situations in short, humorous segments, such as Robinson's portrayal of a man caught viewing a "nude egg" at work or a clueless individual requesting a Bryan Cranston haircut and receiving a dog-like hairstyle instead. He also embodies a struggling performer whose gentle Chaplin-esque routine is disrupted by heckling frat boys. Despite its absurdity, Robinson creates believable and bizarre worlds for each character, akin to a modern-day Zippy the Pinhead, a naive and eccentric individual out of sync with reality. However, Friendship, directed by Andrew DeYoung, raises the question of whether there can be too much Tim Robinson. Robinson plays Craig Waterman, an average suburbanite with a mundane job, a wife (Kate Mara) who is losing interest, and an indifferent teenage son (Jack Dylan Grazer). Craig's life is uneventful until Austin Carmichael (Rudd), a charismatic TV weatherman, moves in next door and expresses interest in becoming friends. Their initial encounter involves Craig delivering a misplaced package, and Austin's cheerful farewell, "Stay curious, Craig Waterman!" brightens Craig's day. The friendship blossoms due to Austin's charismatic nature, which Craig admires and tries to emulate. Austin's involvement in a punk band, which Craig considers incredibly cool, further enhances Austin's appeal. Austin takes Craig on a nighttime adventure through an aqueduct, leading to an illegal visit to city hall. Austin seems oblivious to Craig's social awkwardness until Craig jokingly punches him during a get-together, leading to a falling out and leaving Craig feeling lost, angry, and determined to prove his worth. Friendship highlights the challenges men face in forming friendships, which explains why the initial scenes, where Austin shows genuine interest in Craig despite his social ineptitude, are the most compelling. Initially, Austin either overlooks or disregards Craig's awkwardness, inviting the audience to see him as a sweet but clumsy person. However, as Craig's desperation grows, Robinson's performance becomes more tiresome. Craig loses his job after an outburst at a client meeting, and his wife leaves him, adding to his troubles. While Robinson's portrayal has subtle moments, such as his gap-toothed smile that evokes both sympathy and contempt, the issue lies in the fact that the Tim Robinson of I Think You Should Leave's short sketches is more effective. Just as potent elixirs are consumed in small amounts, the same principle applies to comic genius.

Some mornings, the realization of my freedom hasn't sunk in yet. Then, the memories flood back: the oppressive silence, the perpetual darkness, the damp concrete, and the two young men, still captive in the depths beside me. Their names are  and . For eight and a half months,  and I were confined to a cramped Hamas tunnel, barely 40 ft. long and less than 3 ft. wide. We endured soaked mattresses, a shared daily pita, and whispered stories of home to maintain our sanity. We began as strangers, but in that darkness, we forged a brotherhood. It's been over 100 days since President Trump's return to the White House and the that secured my release, along with Omer's and many others. Though my time above ground hasn't been much longer, each breath of fresh air, each moment in the sun, each quiet instance with my family feels profoundly precious. My perception of time has changed; I cherish it more, acutely aware of its fleeting nature and the agonizing reality faced by those still held captive. I endured 505 days as a hostage, buried deep underground. A surveillance camera constantly monitored us. A bomb, rigged to detonate if Israeli forces approached, loomed above. We were warned of being blown up if rescue was attempted. We faced threats, degradation, and, at times, torture—treated not as humans, but as objects to be controlled and broken. I am not a soldier. I was abducted from my in-laws’ home in Kibbutz Be’eri on Oct. 7, while with my wife and children. Unable to breach the safe room door, terrorists entered through the window, dragged me out, forced me into a trunk, and paraded me through Gaza. Before our separation, I looked into my nine-year-old son’s frightened eyes and made the agonizing decision to tell him the truth – that I didn’t know if we were going to die. I couldn’t offer false hope in what might have been our final moments. For 50 excruciating days, I was uncertain of my family's survival. It was a rare flicker of hope when I learned in November they were about to be released. Evyatar and Guy, both 22, were seized from the Nova music festival, their friends massacred around them. When we met in captivity, they were in dire condition—starved, handcuffed, terrified. For weeks, they had been given almost no food. Their hands were tied behind their backs, their ankles bound, their heads covered with plastic bags. Yet, somehow, their spirits remained unbroken. During those eight and a half months in the tunnel, they persevered. Our captors stripped us of our humanity, torturing us for their amusement. They would sometimes ignite pieces of paper, consuming the scarce oxygen in the tunnel, causing us to choke and lie on the floor to avoid suffocation. We created daily rituals to maintain our sense of self. In a place designed to break us, we supported each other, becoming a unit, a family. Upon emerging from that tunnel in February, I vowed to be the voice for those silenced. President Trump, I was freed in a deal facilitated by your administration. Your prioritization of the hostages was instrumental in bringing many of us home. I stand here today because this issue was addressed with the urgency it demanded. But our mission is not complete. Fifty-nine hostages remain in Hamas captivity, and each passing day diminishes their chances of survival. Hamas's release of hostages was not out of kindness, but a response to pressure—pressure generated by international attention and unwavering advocacy. I urge you to renew that pressure to secure the release of every hostage, living or deceased. However, a to escalate military action in Gaza is not the solution. Each step deeper into war pushes Evyatar and Guy further away—and diminishes the hope of bringing them home alive. We must not allow military considerations to overshadow our moral imperative. Evyatar and Guy are not mere statistics. They are sons, friends, music enthusiasts—gentle, humorous, and full of life. They deserve to bask in the sun again; they deserve a future. I have experienced the abyss of darkness, the weight of airless days, hunger, and silence. But I also know the profound joy of breathing freely again. President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, you granted me that opportunity. Please—bring them home, too. Let them breathe again. ```

tags. Shortly before the 2024 election, Dr. Casey Means shared a health-focused list of desires for the incoming Administration with subscribers to her Good Energy newsletter. Her priorities aligned with those of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, including investigating toxins in food, incentivizing healthy food purchases through food stamps, and replacing factory farming with regenerative methods. “Above all, I want the next White House to inspire Americans to prioritize health and fitness,” wrote Means, a physician nominated by President Trump for U.S. Surgeon General on May 7. This nomination came after Trump withdrew his initial choice, Dr. Janette Neshiewat, just before her scheduled Senate committee appearance. Means, co-author of the 2024 book Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health with her brother Calley Means, shares several health beliefs with Kennedy. She frequently discusses the overuse of drugs and the prevalence of preventable lifestyle-related conditions. She advocates for more nutritious school lunches for children and voices . She also believes that the U.S. food supply contains excessive chemicals. President Trump mentioned these similarities as a reason for her nomination during a May 8 news conference. “Bobby really thought she was great, I don’t know her,” Trump stated, regarding the selection. Means’ pinned celebrates Kennedy’s White House swearing-in, which she described as a “BEAUTIFUL AND MOMENTOUS DAY FOR AMERICA.” Means and her brother Calley, a startup founder, are in the Make America Healthy Again movement. In the months leading up to the election, they jointly appeared on and podcasts. Their father, Grady Means, for President Gerald Ford as an aide to Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, a political moderate. In their 2024 book, the siblings highlight points likely to resonate with Democrats, such as the significant impact of nutrition and exercise on overall health (similar to Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign addressing childhood obesity) and the excessive influence of the pharmaceutical and food industries on Americans. However, some of Casey Means’ ideas are more divisive. In a Tucker Carlson interview, she argued that birth control pills are overprescribed and represent a “disrespect of life.” She stated has “a stranglehold on the U.S. population,” convincing people that a pill can solve chronic health issues. She also questioned the routine hepatitis B vaccination for newborns in America, a practice supported by the . She further questions the safety of childhood vaccines, writing in her newsletter, “There is growing evidence that the total burden of the current extreme and growing vaccine schedule is causing health declines in vulnerable children.” While many doctors disagree with Means' medical stances, some suggest that her nomination could improve Americans' health. “I’m pleased to see a nominee for surgeon general who prioritizes food and diet-related exercise,” said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University. “This is the biggest health challenge facing Americans.” Means previously criticized Mozaffarian for heading a 2021 that assessed the healthfulness of foods, criticizing it for being funded by companies that manufacture . (He declined to comment on the criticism.) Means’ emphasis on health and exercise aligns with functional medicine, which aims to identify and address the root causes of diseases rather than just treating symptoms. This challenges traditional medicine’s reliance on prescription drugs—a positive shift, according to Dr. David Perlmutter, a neurologist and proponent of low-carb diets and functional medicine. “Casey brings the perspective that we should focus on health and maintaining wellness,” says Perlmutter, who has known Means for eight years. “Our health care system is now more about treating disease than promoting health.” Perlmutter was featured on a episode for Levels, the tech company Means co-founded in 2019 to help users track real-time metabolic data through continuous glucose monitoring. (She is the company’s ; it is unclear whether she would relinquish this role as surgeon general.) Means has also appeared on Perlmutter’s podcast. In 2021, they co-authored an in MedPage Today, a website for health professionals, criticizing the Biden Administration and federal guidelines for not recommending a low-enough daily added sugar limit. Means attended college and medical school at Stanford University. She began a medical residency in otolaryngology-head & neck surgery at Oregon Health and Science University but left during her fifth year, realizing she wasn’t learning the underlying causes of illness, as she wrote in her book. From 2019 to 2022, she served as an editor for the International Journal for Disease Reversal and Prevention, a peer-reviewed publication focused on nutrition and lifestyle science. According to Kim Allan Williams, the journal’s editor in chief, Means primarily edited poems, essays, and artwork. “I can’t answer much except outside of her eye for art and literature. She was great at that!” he wrote in an email regarding her tenure. Means has also explored poetry in her newsletter. A (created with AI assistance, she notes) titled “The Devil’s Wellness Plan” begins: “If I were the devil, I’d ditch the disguise—/No pitchfork, no flames, just marketing lies.” The poem addresses vaccinations, marketing, and medications, containing stanzas that echo talking points of the MAHA and MAGA movements: “I’d give boys man-boobs through toxic food,/And call masculine strength aggressive and lewd./I’d whisper, “You’re too much, too loud,”/And shame men’s fire as something rude. I’d flood your screens with porn on demand,/Till touch means pixels, not holding a hand./I’d teach women that cooking is something to dread,/That birth needs control and a hospital bed.”

This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIME’s politics newsletter. Sign up to get stories like this sent to your inbox. The newly elected Pope, an American, is unlikely to align with the "Make America Great Again" movement. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost's ascension to the papacy, taking the name Leo XIV, positions him as an ideological counterweight to a specific brand of American Catholicism that has gained prominence in Washington but leans more conservative than the global Church. With figures like Vice President J.D. Vance and several Supreme Court Justices within the Catholic community, Leo XIV's influence extends significantly both worldwide and within the U.S. Known as "The Latin Yankee" in Rome, his election signals a rejection of efforts by wealthy Americans to sway the Vatican toward a pontiff favorable to President Donald Trump, who even joked about being both Pope and President. “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope,” Trump posted to his social media site. “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!” Similar to his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo XIV is expected to differ with Trump on critical issues such as immigration, human rights, and environmental concerns. The new Pope has a track record of advocating for racial justice, gun control, and opposing capital punishment. Another clash between the U.S. leader and the Catholic Church's leader appears probable, especially given Trump’s attempts to integrate Christianity into his political agenda. Immediately after Leo's election, Trump's supporters began attacking him with political motivations. While Trump quickly praised Leo, his followers were less welcoming. Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and Trump supporter, labeled Leo a "WOKE MARXIST POPE" and a "Marxist puppet in the Vatican" on Twitter. However, Leo isn't the "social-justice warrior" that MAGA supporters suggest. His stances on same-sex marriage and transgender rights are consistent with traditional Catholic teachings, placing him to the right of his predecessor in these areas. His handling of abuse allegations will likely be a challenge. Although portrayed as a dedicated spiritual leader, he is not expected to possess the same level of charisma as Francis. Before his papacy, Leo frequently criticized Trump, particularly his immigration policies, labeling them "problematic" and filled with "anti-immigrant rhetoric" as early as 2015. More recently, as Cardinal Prevost, he criticized Vance for using his Catholic faith to justify the Trump administration's stance on migrants, stating, "Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.” His final social media post before the papal conclave criticized Trump's joint appearance with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, where they trivialized the extra-judicial deportation of an immigrant. Trump recently joked about potentially leading the Catholic Church, even sharing what seemed to be an AI-generated image of himself in papal attire. While White House officials dismissed it as a joke, many Catholics found the suggestion offensive. By Thursday afternoon, Trump expressed great pride in the first American Pope. The tension between Leo and Trump will likely influence global affairs and domestic politics in the years ahead. With roughly one in five Americans identifying as Catholic, they represent a significant voting demographic. Historically, Catholics tend to participate more actively in elections than other religious groups. Their political allegiances are also flexible: Trump won them with 59% of the vote last , Biden, only the second to serve as President  carried them with 52% four years , and Trump carried them with 50% support in . This moment of pride for American Catholics coincides with their efforts to interpret the significance of Leo's election. Each new Pope conveys a message through their selection. Was Leo chosen because of his American identity, or was it due to his extensive work in Peru and his alignment with the late Pope Francis of Argentina? It's too early to determine, but many in Washington are seeking answers. This unexpected candidate overcame complex Vatican politics and may challenge Washington's understanding of the Catholic Church's global operations. It's a complex situation requiring careful analysis. Make sense of what matters in Washington. .

The election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost and the first American to hold the position, on May 8th, signifies a notable change in the Church's global structure. While unexpected, this event has occurred, and Leo must now determine his leadership approach for the Church and its 1.4 billion members, while also furthering the work of Pope Francis. Francis was known for his emphasis on inclusivity and globalizing the Catholic Church. During his 12-year term, he made significant strides in diversifying the College of Cardinals, promoting inclusivity within the Catholic Church, and focusing Vatican resources on climate emergencies. However, many challenges remain, leaving the new Pope with a complex situation to address. As Leo assumes his role, the world will observe whether he continues Francis's policies or initiates significant changes in the Catholic community's priorities, similar to his predecessor. LGBTQ+ Catholics Pope Francis's focus on inclusivity began with navigating considerable pressure from conservative elements within the Catholic Church, particularly in the United States. This pressure stemmed from his advocacy for the poor, migrants, and the environment, as well as his more understanding stance on LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex marriage within the Church. While Francis never altered the Church's official doctrines, his public support for the LGBTQ Catholic community was unprecedented. He endorsed civil unions and engaged with LGBTQ+ groups. His famous 2013 statement, "If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" was groundbreaking. In 2023, Francis decreed that Roman Catholic priests could bless same-sex couples. Earlier that year, he approved a document allowing transgender individuals to be baptized and serve as godparents. These landmark decisions came at a cost. Francis faced opposition from conservatives angered by his reforms and a resistant bureaucracy. Leo must now decide whether to continue Francis's path of LGBTQ inclusion or pursue a different direction. There are concerns that the new Pope may be less receptive to gay Catholics than Francis. In 2012, Leo reportedly stated that some Western values were sympathetic to issues "at odds with the gospel," specifically mentioning "homosexual lifestyle." However, it remains to be seen whether Leo's leadership at the highest level will differ from these earlier statements, especially in light of Francis's recent reforms. Sexual abuse Francis became Pope during a period of heightened media coverage regarding the systematic cover-up of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, with many cases emerging during the tenure of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. Initially, Francis faced criticism for his perceived inaction on the issue, but he later implemented policy reforms. He even acknowledged his own role in the problem, telling Chilean victims of clerical sexual abuse that he "was part of the problem" and apologizing for dismissing accusations of a cover-up by Catholic bishops. In 2019, Francis publicly acknowledged the sexual abuse of nuns by priests and bishops and cautioned against psychological and spiritual abuse of sisters. The Catholic community's troubled history with sexual abuse and its alleged cover-ups remains a critical issue that Leo must address. Before his papacy, while leading the Diocese of Chiclayo, the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests accused him of concealing sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church. Now leading the entire Church, Leo's priorities in addressing and acting on allegations of sexual abuse against priests and other Catholic leaders will face intense scrutiny. Women in the church Francis's inclusivity extended to promoting greater equality for women in the Church, particularly as nun populations have decreased in recent decades. In 2023, Francis made a significant change by allowing women to vote at a major bishops' meeting, which Prevost oversaw. As Pope, Leo will need to address broader questions left unanswered by Francis regarding women's roles in the Church, including the contentious issue of allowing women to become deacons and potentially paving the way for them to become priests. Geographic diversity of the Catholic community Since Francis became Pope in 2013, the Catholic Church and the College of Cardinals have become more diverse. The 2025 conclave was the most geographically diverse in history, a result of Francis's emphasis on diversity and his rejection of nationality or geography as determinants for the papacy. Although Europe remains over-represented in the College of Cardinals, the increased geographic diversity of its leadership reflects the growing influence of Africa and Asia within the Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV's election as the first North American Pope, following Francis as the first Latin American Pope, further emphasizes this globalization. Leo, a dual Peruvian-American national, was born in Chicago but spent much of his life and Catholic leadership in Europe and Peru. He spent 20 years in Peru, initially in Trujillo and later as bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023. Subsequently, he held a highly influential Vatican position in Rome, heading Francis's primary advisory group for selecting new bishops. With connections to the U.S., South America, and Europe, Leo has a broad reach.