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.

Pope Leo XIV, the first person from the United States to lead the Catholic Church, is taking on a financial headache in his new position. White smoke billowed from the Vatican at about 6 p.m. on Thursday as the papal conclave made its decision about who should become the leader of the Catholic Church.

Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, Reverend Salvatore R. Matano pledged his congregation's support and fidelity to the newly elected pontiff in a May 8 statement. Pope Leo not only takes after the previous Roman Catholic Pope Francis,