Before Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became pope, a social media account under his name shared criticisms of the Trump administration’s positions on immigration.

The remarks, delivered in Italian and Spanish, were made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Across the country, Catholics and non-Catholics alike greeted Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV with reverence and satisfaction.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago and gradually rose through the ranks of the Roman Catholic Church.

Robert Francis Prevost, who led the Vatican office that selects and manages bishops globally, has spent much of his life outside the United States.