A 2024 Pew Research study found that a majority of U.S. Catholics believe women should be allowed to become priests (64%) and that the church should recognize the marriages of gay couples (54%).

By the time Francis took over as leader of the Catholic Church in 2013, meetings between the president and the pontiff had become commonplace. During the dozen years that he served as the pontiff, Francis, who died April 21, met each of the three men who served as the U.S. president during his papacy.

Several cities and countries — including New York City, the United Kingdom, and Australia — have ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Pope Francis' death. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires to Italian immigrant parents,

President Donald Trump ordered that American flags be lowered to half-staff. Here's what to know about how long and Pope Francis day of interment.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell was handpicked by Pope Francis to be camerlengo, which involves running the Vatican in the days between when a pontiff passes away and another is chosen. NBC News’ Anne Thompson reports Farrell spent much of his priesthood in the United States.