"The First American Pope": A New Era For Catholicism, Divided Opinions
Americans express deep pride in their religious leader, Pope Francis, yet not all share this sentiment
Dive Deeper Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email Print Copy Link In the US, the media is abuzz with the election of Pope Leo XIV. This American-born Pope, the first ever, doesn't come with the expected conservative luster. President Trump and his vice congratulate him, although some right-wing voices express disappointment.
Television stations echo the global surprise: Cardinal Robert Prevost, born in Chicago, ascends the throne as the first American Pope. A Vatican reporter points out that while Americans would see him as a Chicagoan, South Americans may perceive him as Peruvian, given his past ministry there.
Donald Trump, self-proclaimed Christian but not Catholic, exudes enthusiasm. He takes to Truth Social to express his joy, anticipating a significant meeting with the new Pope. Around 20% of Americans identify as Catholic, with Protestantism more dominant in the US, as per polls.
"A Global Pope, Not American"
Some commentators raise concerns that Pope Leo XIV, who spoke Spanish in his first appearance, seems more inclined to be a global Pope than an American one. Catholics in the US might find this irrelevant for now, according to experts.
A couple from Illinois, vehemently non-Catholic, find the election of the first American Pope thrilling. They happened to be in Rome and, though they missed their exams, consider this a moment they couldn't afford to miss. Pastor William Lego, who once studied with the new Pope, praises his appointment, claiming he's a good choice for the position.
"A Total Marxist Like Francis"
In a recent post, the new Pope criticized JD Vance, Trump's right-hand man, for misinterpreting Jesus. Vance, who converted to Catholicism as an adult and is politically conservative, still conveyed his congratulations to the new Pope.
Prominent influencer Laura Loomer, a Trump whisperer, perceives the new Pontiff's background with suspicion. She accuses him of being anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open borders, and a radical Marxist like Pope Francis. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, however, notes that the new Pope has voted Republican in the past.
Mixed Emotions Across America
A man from New York is left breathless by the new Pope, expressing fascination despite being non-religious. A mother from Texas is delighted by the tradition, witnessing the rising white smoke daily, hoping to witness history unfold.
In Rome, the CBS reporter comments on the palpable awe of Americans for the Catholic Church, calling it a centuries-old institution that selected the ideal Pope the Church needs — an American Pope, after Joe Biden's departure from the White House.
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. Born in Chicago in 1955, he entered the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and, as an Augustinian, served as prior general of the order. Holding a strong background in diplomacy and canon law, he worked extensively in South America and, most recently, was appointed by Pope Francis to head the influential Dicastery for Bishops.
- Pope Leo XIV
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- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, considering the global influence of Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope.
- Amidst the political landscape, Pope Leo XIV, like his predecessor Pope Francis, has not shied away from engaging in discussions about social-media policies, general news, and even policy-and-legislation matters that increasingly impact the Catholic Church's social role.
- In the Midwest, some Catholic parishes might want to discuss the consequences of having a Pope from their region, considering the shift in media discussions around Pope Leo XIV's focus on being a global Pope, not an American one.
- Meanwhile, on entertainment forums and platforms like WhatsApp, people argue about Pope Leo XIV's potential impact on traditional families, with some taking issue with his progressive views on immigration and open borders, while others support his efforts to align Church teachings with modern policy issues.
- Abundant excitement remains in the air across America, as people across the political spectrum, both Catholic and non-Catholic alike, wait and see how Pope Leo XIV's guidance on family values, faith, and politics will shape American society in the years to come.
