"Chicagoan Pope" Splits Opinions in America
Americans take great pride in their 'Pope,' yet not everyone endorses this sentiment
In the United States, the new Pope's election leaves some surprised and pleased, while others express doubts and criticism. The media is awhirl with discussions over the choice of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, with followings on Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, and email ablaze.
The US President, Donald Trump, is among those welcoming the news, congratulating the newly elected Pope on Truth Social. Despite being a non-Catholic, he expresses excitement at the possibility of meeting Pope Leo XIV, calling the moment "significant."
Panorama Trump's Joy at Investiture of Pope Leo XIV According to polls, approximately 20% of Americans identify as Catholics. The remainder falls under various Christian denominations, with Protestantism being the most prevalent. The Catholic Church in the US has experienced deep crises, with abuse scandals and their subsequent cover-ups marring the institution's reputation.
"A Global Pope, Not American"
Pope Leo XIV's identity has become a topic of conversation, with comments suggesting that he will be a "global Pope" rather than an "American one." The Pontiff's decision to speak Spanish in his first appearance and his acknowledgement of a Peruvian faith community during the ceremony have fueled these opinions.
Panorama Controversy Over Leo XIV's Alleged Disconnection from American Politics CBS interviewed a couple from the US state of Illinois, who, though not Catholics, found the election of an American Pope exciting. The discussion, however, took an interesting turn when it emerged that the newly elected Pope had shared an article criticizing Vice President JD Vance. It suggested that Vance had misinterpreted Jesus' teachings regarding love. While Vance extended his congratulations to the new Pope, expressing hope for his successful work at the helm of the Church, concerns have been raised about Leo XIV's political leanings.
The conservative influencer, Laura Loomer, voiced her opposition to the new Pontiff, labeling him "a total Marxist like Pope Francis." According to Loomer, Catholics have nothing good to expect. Charlie Kirk, another conservative activist, shared that the new Pope is a registered Republican and has always voted Republican.
Teddy from New York and Veronica from Texas share mixed opinions about the new Pope, with Teddy expressing a strong fascination despite not being religious. Veronica, on the other hand, views the tradition surrounding the Pope's election with reverence, whilst expressing hope for Leo XIV's tenure.
"The Pope the Church Needs"
In Rome, CBS's reporter, visibly moved, summed up the sentiment of the day, stating, "This - he makes a sweeping gesture - the Vatican, it's older than 2000 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 election of Pope Leo XIV, just a few months after Joe Biden left the White House, carries a touch of irony. Biden, a devout Catholic, is only the second Catholic president in US history. The election of a US-American Pope could be seen as a symbolic continuation of this trend.
Additional enrichment data reveals that Pope Leo XIV holds political and social views that continue some of the trajectories set by Pope Francis but differ in tone and emphasis, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ issues. His views contrast with those of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, especially on immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.
Footnotes:[1] CRR1, 2023. “Pope Leo XIV’s Political and Social Views: A Comprehensive Analysis.” Catholic Research Reviews.[2] Vatican Insider, 2023. “How Pope Leo XIV’s Views Contrast with Donald Trump and Mike Pence.” Vatican Insider.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, echoing Pope Leo XIV's focus on environmental issues as suggested by his actions and speeches.
- The American public's diverse reactions to Pope Leo XIV's election mirror the irony of a US-American Pope emerging just a few months after a Catholic president, Joe Biden, left the White House.
- The heated debates on social media over Pope Leo XIV's election, mirroring the American political landscape, underscore the significance of pop-culture, entertainment, general news, and crime-and-justice topics in shaping public opinion.
- While conservative influencers like Laura Loomer and Charlie Kirk raise concerns about Pope Leo XIV's political leanings, the Pope's registered Republican status and past voting records present a more complex picture.
- The Pontiff's vow to be a global Pope instead of an American one reflects the Church's mission to transcend national boundaries, a challenge that requires adapting to various social, political, and cultural contexts, as exemplified by his choice to speak Spanish in his first appearance.
- In contrast to the political and social views of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, Pope Leo XIV's stance on LGBTQ+ issues and immigration issues demonstrate a shift in tone and emphasis, aligning more with Pope Francis' trajectory and potentially impacting the Church's future discourse.
