Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pope, descends from Creole and free people of color in Louisiana, highlighting complex issues to race and class in American history.

Pope Leo XIV had an initial one-word response when asked by a reporter on Monday if he had a message for his native United States. It left observers wondering if the pontiff would soon have more to say about President Donald Trump’s policies.

The motto of one newly elected American world leader: " Fight! " The other introduced himself to the world with his first public word as pope: “ Peace."

The new pontiff spoke to NBC News anchor Lester Holt, who was part of a news conference for some 6,000 journalists from around the world.

"I hope to be able to respond to [the challenges] with a healthy dialogue," said Cardinal Robert Prevost in 2023.

On "This Week," Cardinal Cupich said Pope Leo XIV may call for changes to the United States immigration system.

Black smoke again billowed out of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, the second day of the conclave, indicating that no new pontiff has been chosen after the second or third ballots. There are still

At a meeting Pope Leo held with international journalists, NBC News’ Lester Holt spent time speaking one-on-one with the Pontiff. They discussed the significance of the Pope being American and if he plans to return to the United States any time soon.