Nevertheless, the women who have worked closely with Prevost in recent years have praised his leadership style, ability to listen and respect for their opinions. In interviews with The Associated Press, they say they expect that as pope, Leo will continue to promote women in church governance positions, albeit with limits.

The new pope is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost— and will be known to the world as Leo XIV — after he was elected Thursday in the second day of voting by the papal conclave. Why it matters: He is the first American pontiff in history and was born in Chicago.

Pope Leo XIV made his first social media post on Tuesday in which he sent a message of peace, as he seeks to maintain an active social media presence.