pope

“I had to hang up a picture of the new pope,” he said.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, was among those who paid tribute to the young victims, saying he was "profoundly saddened" by the attack.

The pope said he hoped Mauritian authorities would ensure the refugees are able to return home.

Walgenbach, who is white, brought up the Creole heritage of Pope Leo XIV, who made history this year as the first U.S.-born pope.

In recent decades, overseas travel has become central to the papacy, allowing popes to connect with Catholics worldwide, spread their message and engage in diplomacy.