'American Pope' traces Leo's journey from Chicago to the Vatican (Level 1)

Robert Prevost is now Pope Leo. He is the first American pope. A new book called American Pope tells his story. He grew up in Chicago. As a young man, he studied in Rome. Then his religious order sent him to Peru. At first, he was shocked by the damage from a big storm. But he grew to love Peru and said it was where he learned to be a priest. Pope Francis saw something special in him. They met often. Francis helped prepare him to lead the church. Many cardinals agreed he was the right choice, even though he was American. Pope Leo is a quiet leader. He listens carefully and builds agreement. He cares about immigrants and wants a more open church. He is not easily labeled liberal or conservative. During the abuse crisis, he was slow at first but later acted to remove a priest. His calm style is different from Francis, but they share similar goals.