A American Pope: The New Face of the Vatican Incites Mixed Reactions
America takes pride in its Pope figurehead, yet not universally.
America awakes to the surprise election of the new Pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost, a man with an intriguing mix of American and Peruvian roots. The unconventional choice has left some right-wing conservative voices disgruntled, whereas others embrace this shift in Vatican leadership.
The Catholic Church's first American Pope has made a splash on the global stage, with President Trump enthusiastically congratulating him on an on-platform known as Truth Social. Although Trump identifies as a Christian, he is not Catholic, yet he looks forward to meeting the new Pope, believing it will be a significant moment.
But not everyone shares the president's excitement. A prominent voice from Trump's MAGA movement expresses disappointment, while a right-wing influencer, much like a Trump whisperer of the MAGA wing, questions the new Pontifex's background. "He is against Trump, against MAGA, for open borders, and a total Marxist like Pope Francis," Laura Loomer rants. "Just another Marxist puppet in the Vatican."
A Global LeadershipStyle
Pope Leo XIV addressed his Peruvian faith community in Spanish, hinting at his intention to be a global Pope rather than solely an American one. This move might be seen as irrelevant by some Catholics in the U.S., but it demonstrates an inclination to embrace Catholic communities worldwide.
Visitors from the U.S. have flocked to St. Peter's Square to witness a piece of history in the making, even though they themselves are not Catholic. "I can't believe an American is the Pope – it's amazing!" a man from Illinois jokes, reflecting the excitement among travelers.
A Notable Connection
Pastor William Lego, a fellow seminarian of the new Pope during their days in Michigan, shares fond memories of their time together. When asked about his classmate's election, Pastor Lego expressed surprise but admiration: "He's chosen a good person." In February, Pope Leo XIV criticized Vice President J.D. Vance for his statement about the hierarchical love for Christians. However, Vance, who converted to Catholicism as an adult and was baptized in 2019, offered his congratulations to Leo XIV, hoping millions of American Catholics and Christians alike will pray for his success.
Throwback to Biden's Presidency
Remarkably, Pope Leo XIV's election comes just months after Joe Biden left the White House, an American being elected Pope for the first time. Acutely aware of this irony, the mayor of Chicago welcomed the new Pope, quipping that everything cool, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!
The fascination of Americans for the Catholic Church is evident in CBS reporters' emotional reflections on covering the event on St. Peter's Square. "This – he makes a sweeping gesture – the Vatican, older than two thousand years, older than any person. Much older than the USA. And this institution has decided: 'An American Pope, that's the Pope the Church needs,'" the reporter says withclear appreciation.
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- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, similar to the way Pope Leo XIV demonstrates an inclination to embrace Catholic communities worldwide.
- Despite the controversy surrounding the new Pope, President Trump, who identifies as a Christian but is not Catholic, looks forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV, much like Pastor William Lego, a fellow seminarian of the new Pope, who expressed admiration for his classmate's election.
- Interestingly, the first American Pope, Pope Leo XIV, criticized Vice President J.D. Vance for his statement about the hierarchical love for Christians, in a stark contrast to the traditional American politics.
- The irony is palpable as Pope Leo XIV, an American, is elected just months after Joe Biden left the White House, making American history twice in a row - first with a Catholic President and now with a Catholic Pope.
