For years before becoming Pope Leo XIV — as a parish priest and then bishop in Peru — Robert Prevost built ties with interfaith environmental networks and Indigenous organizations to place forest protection and rights at the center of Church concern.

Although some feel Francis could have done more for their people during his 12 years as pontiff, Indigenous Catholics widely praise him for championing their causes

Many LGBTQ Catholics viewed Pope Francis as a pioneer for acceptance. Now, with Pope Leo XIV, they hope he will continue this path of progress.