ROME - The new Chicago-raised Pope Leo XIV faces an immediate challenge in his native country: taming the brawling U.S. tribe of Catholics, riven by political divisions that have thwarted the will of his predecessors.

Many sites associated with past popes’ lives have become museums or holy destinations for the faithful. But Pope Leo XIV’s childhood church in Chicago closed years ago.

We have an American Peruvian pope,” said Betty Lazaro. Locals say they expect Pope Leo XIV to carry on Pope Francis’ call to advocate for the poor and immigrants.