In a lengthy and wide-ranging interview for a new biography of his life by Crux Senior Correspondent Elise Ann Allen, Pope Leo XIV opens up his own background and current global topics such as Ukraine,

Pope Leo XIV has marveled at the “huge learning curve” he has taken on as pontiff and likened some aspects of the job to jumping “in on the deep end of the pool very quickly.”

ROME — Pope Leo XIV marveled at the "huge learning curve" he took on as pontiff and likened some aspects of the job to jumping "in on the deep end of the pool very quickly," in excerpts of an interview released Sunday on his 70th birthday.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has passed away after 12 years as the Papal leader. This video delves into the extraordinary life of the first South American Pope and examines the 1995-year history of the Catholic Church,

"Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies," Francis said in his address to Congress. This work of defending and promoting the dignity of every person is not optional; it is a demand of faith and a matter of justice.