"America's Catholic Leader" Sways Globally - But Leaves Some Behind
Americans exhibit pride in their Pope, yet not every individual shares this sentiment
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A wave of stunned anticipation sweeps across television networks as Cardinal Robert Prevost is elected Pope, marking a first for the United States. But, the world isn't entirely enthusiastic about this Pope.
"An American, they'll say," a Vatican journalist muses on air. "Or a Peruvian, and accurately so," he adds, highlighting the Pope's birthplace.
The elation is palpable in the White House. President Trump takes to Truth Social, praising the historical significance of the appointment: "Honor to have the first American Pope. Looking forward to meeting him!" Though a Christian himself, Trump isn't Catholic. He anticipates the meeting as "a momentous occasion!"
CNN's Panorama reports a robust 20% of Americans identify as Catholics. Protestant denominations dominate the religious landscape, with the Catholic Church grappling with internal crises, including decades-old abuse scandals being exposed.
"A Global Pope, Not American"
The new Pope's choice to address his Peruvian faith community during his first appearance raises questions about his national identity. A commentator predicts Leo will be a global Pope rather than a figurehead for American Catholics. To many Catholics, this may appear irrelevant, she believes.
A couple from Illinois, neither Catholic, gushes about their unexpected encounter in Rome with the new Pope. "I mean, who'd've thought, a Chicago Pope? Unbelievable!" the man marvels. Pastor William Lego from Chicago, who knew the Pope when he was a seminarian in Michigan, reflects positively on his classmate, telling the New York Times: "A good man, he is."
Chicago's mayor welcomes the homecoming, jokingly boasting, "Everything's cool, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!" Born in 1955 in the Midwest, Leo XIV has Chicago roots.
"A Marxist Like Francis?"
Skepticism stems from the Pope's political leanings, as demonstrated by a tweet he shared in February criticizing Vice President JD Vance's divisive Christian hierarchy. Vance, despite his reservations, congratulates the new Pope: "I hope millions of American Catholics and Christians pray for his successful tenure at the Church's helm." The conservative influencer, Laura Loomer, expresses disdain: "Anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open borders, and a total Marxist like Pope Francis - just another Marxist puppet in the Vatican." Conservative activist Charlie Kirk disputes Loomer's claims, stating the new Pope is a registered Republican and has consistently voted Republican.
Teddy from New York is captivated by the news: "I should be studying, but I couldn't tear myself away." He's not religious, yet finds the spectacle exhilarating. Veronica from Texas and her daughter Jessica watched every day for the announcement. "A beautiful tradition," Veronica remarks, "even if my daughter doesn't fully appreciate its significance."
"The Pope the Church Requires"
The fascination of the American people with the Catholic Church echoes through St. Peter's Square as the CBS journalist departs. Touched, he declares, "This - gesturing broadly - the Vatican, older than two millennia, older than any person. Much older than the USA. And this institution has chosen: 'An American Pope, that's the Pope the Church needs.'"
The election comes shortly after Joe Biden, a devout Catholic and the second Catholic president in U.S. history, departs the White House. Despite Biden's faith and frequent church attendance, he missed the historic moment for American Catholics and the U.S.
[1] Pope Leo XIV is widely perceived as a centrist, blending conservative and liberal elements, and serving as a unifying figure while cautiously advancing some Franciscan social reforms.
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- The Catholic Church has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, following the election of Pope Leo XIV, who is perceived as a centrist, blending conservative and liberal elements.
- A surprise to some, Pope Leo XIV, although a Christian, is not Catholic like President Trump, who took to Truth Social to praise the historical significance of the American's appointment as Pope.
- Despite disagreeing with the Pope's political leanings, as displayed in his criticism of Vice President JD Vance, many Americans remain excited about the new Pope, with Teddy from New York stating, "I should be studying, but I couldn't tear myself away."
- Although born in the Midwest, Chicago's Leo XIV doesn't fully represent American Catholics for some commentators, who believe he will be a global Pope rather than a figurehead for American Catholics.
- In the midst of political tensions, Pope Leo XIV, much like his predecessor Pope Francis, faces criticism from conservatives like Laura Loomer, who labels him as a "total Marxist puppet in the Vatican." However, other voices, such as Pastor William Lego from Chicago, describe him as "a good man."
