When Father Tony Ricard watched the new pope deliver his first address to the faithful Thursday in St. Peter’s Square, he felt an instant kinship.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ascend the papal throne, is gaining popularity on social media due to his unique educational background. Cardinal Robert Prevost, who recently became pope, surprised the world with his educational journey.

The View" co-host Sunny Hostin expressed her excitement for Pope Leo XIV after discovering his maternal grandparents were described as people of color on government documents.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is now known to be of African ancestry, part of a growing picture Americans are forming of the new supreme pontiff.

The historic election of Pope Leo XIV as the first U.S.-born pope is already upending an earlier calculus about U.S. conservative opposition to reform.

Pope Leo XIV's family tree reflects America's complex racial history, according to records obtained by ABC News.

Pope Leo XIV's devotion to St. Augustine, his life and ministry as a member of the Augustinian order and his focus on the unity of the church are reflected in his episcopal motto and coat of arms.

With the world still wondering how the fledgling papacy of Leo XIV will take wing, cardinals and other clerics gave glimpses into his background and his views on social issues on Friday, while carefully maintaining the secrecy of the conclave.