This is a series of essays about the election of the first pope born in the United States. NCR asked notable Catholics and Americans from various perspectives within the faith community to write about their hopes, dreams and expectations for Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV has stated he will continue the path of Pope Francis regarding LGBTQ+ ministry. Loretto Sr. Jeannine Gramick, longtime minister to the community, hopes his actions will affirm his hospitable words.
CBS News senior correspondent Norah O'Donnell is watching and waiting to see how Pope Leo XIV widens Francis' legacy of elevating women within the church.
