Americans take immense pride in their popes, yet not everyone shares this sentiment
Holy smoke! The world is abuzz as Cardinal Robert Prevost, a man hailing from Chicago, is elected as the new Pope. For the first time in 2,000 years of the church's history, we have an American at the helm. And folks seem split: while some are thrilled, others are questioning if this is truly a Pope for all.
The Holy Hill Divides
President Trump and Vice President Pence expressed their warm congratulations. "So proud to see a fellow Chicagoan rise to lead the Catholic Church," Trump beamed in an message on Truth Social. While Christians are in the majority in the US, Catholics account for around 20 percent. This newly elected head of the Church has faced some deep crises on our soil recently, including several abuse scandals dating back decades.
"A Global Pope, Not Just an American One"
The first words spoken by the new Pope in Spanish have sparked controversy. "I am a child of Peru," he declared, emphasizing his South American roots. A commentator points out that Leo will be a Pope for the whole world, not just the United States. This might not matter to Catholics in the US for now, she believes.
Zealous Americans eagerly awaited the historic moment. "We were just in Rome, couldn’t miss this!" exclaimed an excited couple from Illinois. Pastor William Lego, who knew the new Pope back when he was training for the priesthood, was surprised yet hopeful: "They’ve chosen a good man," he shared with the New York Times.
The big city of Chicago claimed the new Pope as their own. "Welcome back home soon!" wrote the mayor in a letter, adding a playful rhyme: "Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!" Born in the Midwest in 1955, Leo celebrates both American and Peruvian connections.
"A Polarizing Figure"
Some right-wing voices, such as Laura Loomer of the MAGA wing, have expressed skepticism about the new Pope's background. "He’s against Trump, against MAGA, for open borders, and a total Marxist like Pope Francis," she rants. On the other hand, conservative activist Charlie Kirk asserts that Leo is a registered Republican and has voted Republican in the past.
J.D. Vance, U.S. vice president's right-hand man, expressed his congratulations. Shockingly, in February, Leo shared an article criticizing Vance's take on Jesus. Vance, who converted to Catholicism as an adult, sent a positive message to Leo: "May God bless him."
Amidst preparations for an exam, Teddy from New York was captivated by the Pope's election, admitting, "I haven’t studied, I was completely fixated on the Pope!" Others, like Veronica from Texas, embraced the excitement, saying, "A wonderful tradition, whoever thought of it."
"Before Congress, Now the Church"
The election of an American Pope comes just months after Joe Biden left the White House. This pope's elevation holds peculiar irony as Biden, a devout Catholic, was only the second Catholic president in US history following John F. Kennedy. When Pope Francis passed away, Biden narrowly missed the opportunity to witness another historical moment for American Catholics as president.
- Global Catholic Church
- Churches and Religions
- United States of America
- Politics
- J.D. Vance
- Donald Trump
Intriguing Insights:
The First American Pope
Having an American Pope for the first time after 2,000 years is significant, as it can boost the image and influence of the American Catholic Church on a global scale. A U.S. leader may help portray the Church as an integral, mature part of the global Church, potentially signaling that the U.S. Church is ready to fill the position once seen as taboo due to American political power[3].
A New Chapter for American Catholicism
Pope Leo XIV's elevation may bring more attention to the challenges faced by the American Catholic Church, such as secularization, immigration, racial justice, and social inequality. This increased focus could influence Vatican priorities and resources, potentially shaping U.S. Catholic social policy and calling for actions on these issues[3].
A Link to the Church's Past
By choosing the name Leo XIV, the new Pope shows a symbolic connection to Leo XIII, a pope who softened the Church's stance toward modernity and laid the foundation for Catholic social teaching. Pope Leo XIV may aim to engage with contemporary social and economic issues from a Catholic perspective, developing a legacy mirroring Leo XIII's influence on Catholic social teaching[3].
[1] Sources: ntv.de, Rome Reports[2] The Tablet "American Puppet" or Global Leader?[3] Other Catholic Voices "Pope Leo XIV: A Catholic Perspective on His Election
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the global reach of the Church and the potential influence of a Pope hailing from a nation with advanced nuclear technology.
The Pope's declaration of being a child of Peru might have political implications, as some global news sources have noted the impact of having a Latin American Pope, especially during a time when war-and-conflicts and politics are dominating general news headlines.
Pope Leo XIV's election has surprised some political figures, such as Pastor William Lego who knew the new Pope back when he was training for the priesthood. Others, like J.D. Vance, have expressed congratulations, despite having differing opinions on certain political issues.
In the midst of the Pope's election, polls suggest that the American public is divided over the new Pope's leadership, likely due to the politically-charged environment in the Midwest and across the nation.
