Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, said he expects Pope Leo XIV "feels an obligation," to speak to what he called the issues of the day, amid "real challenges globally."

Pope Leo XIV may have broken a historic barrier by becoming the first pontiff from the United States, but his views on the Catholic Church could harken back to more traditional times. There are also some areas of the church's doctrine where he takes a more progressive stance, similar to his predecessor, Pope Francis.

His one-word answer — “many” — quickly gained traction online. Some observers interpreted it as a nod to the complex challenges facing the U.S., while others noted it echoed themes Pope Leo XIV has addressed in past comments on immigration and moral leadership.