The new pope will have to get up to speed on international issues facing the world. Everyone is watching to see if he is up to the job.

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."

The Cardinal's selection of Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American, as the 267th Pope of the Catholic church, following just two days and four votes made history.

"He is an American, but he's an American who has a really international experience," said an assistant professor at St. Louis University.

Pope Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903, led the church into the modern world, emphasizing its moral authority beyond national boundaries. He defended the rights of working people and affirmed the value of science.

Pope Leo XIV recently addressed the diplomatic corps of the Holy See. During this address, he reaffirmed the catholic Church’s traditional teachings on marriage and family. Pope Leo was speaking before representatives from more than 180 countries.

The groundwork for a substantial wish list was laid by Pope Francis, who visited Southeast Asia in 2023 and 2024, including far-flung destinations such as Vanimo in Papua New Guinea, where he served as a powerful voice on a wide range of social issues.

Fr. Thomas Reese used to be certain no American would be elected pope. Now, he admits, he has been proved wrong with this new American — and Peruvian — pope, and speculates: What kind of pope will Leo XIV be?