Leo, who became the first U.S. pope in May, also expressed concern about the political environment in the U.S. and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. “I don’t plan to get involved in partisan politics,” said Leo, who was raised in Chicago. “I talked about human dignity and how important that is for all people, wherever you’re born,” Leo said about that meeting. Leo said he would maintain Francis’ openness toward both women’s leadership in the Church and LGBT Catholics, but did not suggest further steps forward. CHURCH TEACHING TO REMAIN ‘AS IT IS’“I hope to continue in the footsteps of Francis,” Leo said about the late pope’s move to appoint more women to senior Vatican positions.