A Yank in the Vatican: Pope Leo XIV Takes the Throne
U.S. Pope and Arrogant Head of State Clash - Powerful Clash: The U.S. PresidentDisplaying Pride contrasts with the American Pope's Authority
In a world already spinning on the unpredictable axis of politics, America added another layer. A domestic leader, meet your new international one - the Pope. For the first time ever, a U.S. citizen has ascended to the Papacy. Outside St. Mathew's Church in Washington D.C., a gray-haired Catholic woman named Dawn shares a sly grin, admitting she was close to belting out "God Bless America" upon hearing the news of Robert Prevost's election as Pope Leo XIV. "But come on, he's the Pope for the universal Church - not just America. That wouldn't be great at all," she adds.
The woman, both slim and animated, expresses hearty approval for the selection of the new Pontiff's name. Leo XIV - the link to Leo XIII, the Pope of the workers and an ardent advocate for social justice. "There's no doubt we'll see some terrific things with this pope," she predicts.
Across the city, a mother and her adult daughter are also heading to the nearest place of worship. Excitement fills the air as they await news from Rome about the identity of the new leader, the mother, Teresa, explains. A resident of Pennsylvania, she's on a visit to the capital with her daughter who's studying there. "We were all about Pope Francis," says Teresa. "He stood for empathy and mercy. It's thrilling that the new pope is American, but at the end of the day, nationality doesn't matter."
Richard "Donald" Trump, taking a cue from the Vatican, shares his enthusiasm on Truth Social, a platform he frequently uses. "Honored to realize he's the first American Pope. Exciting and a 'great honor' for the USA. Looking forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It'll be a significant moment!"
Trump, a Christian though not Catholic, is hardly known for his devout religiousness. He is more recognized for his relationship with evangelical Christians - an essential voter base for him. Despite his questionable religious sensitivity, Trump stirred controversy with an AI-generated image of himself as Pope. The image was a source of offense to many Catholics, and a U.S. bishop publicly questioned Trump's tact and called for him to apologize.
In past times, Trump had joked that the position of Pope would be his top choice. "That would be my first pick." Not everyone found his jest amusing.
As for the new Pope and Trump’s relationship, only time will tell. During the Papal election race, another American contender, seen as a potential ally for Trump, was also in the running. More conservative in his views, he likely would have presented a stark contrast to the progressive leanings of Prevost.
Cardinal Prevost, publicly criticized Trump’s Vice JD Vance, who is Catholic, for his views on love and community. Vance had expressed the idea of loving one's family first, followed by neighbors, community, fellow citizens, and the world as a whole. Prevost countered with a post on the X platform, stating, "JD Vance is mistaken: Jesus does not ask us to rank our love for others."
As Pope Francis drew his last breath in the Vatican, Vance paid him a visit. Sources suggest their conversation touched upon pressing global issues like immigration, refugees, and the plight of incarcerated individuals. Pope Francis had openly criticized Trump's deportation policy on numerous occasions. Leo XIV appears to share similar concerns about current U.S. migration policies, evident in his X-account where he shared critical posts from other users regarding the topic.
Protestantism serves as the dominant Christian denomination in the U.S., but American Catholicism has faced deep crises in recent years. Numerous abuse scandals have come to light, many of which were hidden for decades.
Some American Catholics hold faith that an American pope with a social approach could shine a positive light on both the Catholic Church in the U.S. and the nation as a whole. Electra, a Washington D.C. college student, hopes Leo XIV will present a "merciful image of the U.S." to the world, adding, "I pray he ushers in a period of understanding and unity, when so much is uncertain and confusion reigns."
- Pope
- Donald Trump
- Robert Prevost
- Washington D.C.
- Catholic Church
- Pennsylvania
- Pope Francis
- Leo XIV
- Rome
- Mother
- JD Vance
- U.S. President
- Vatican
- Electra
- Robert Prevost, having been elected as Pope Leo XIV, is now the first U.S. citizen to ascend to the Papacy, drawing reactions from Americans both Catholic and non-Catholic alike.
- Richard "Donald" Trump, known for his frequent posts on Truth Social, expressed enthusiasm over the election of Pope Leo XIV, calling it a significant moment, despite past controversial statements about the Vatican.
- Teresa, a mother from Pennsylvania, shared her excitement about the new pope's election, expressing hopes for a Pope Leo XIV who would emulate the empathic and merciful qualities of his namesake, Pope Leo XIII.
- Despite being a Christian and not Catholic, Trump's questionable religious sensitivity was once again highlighted when he posted an AI-generated image of himself as the pope, causing offense to many Catholics.
- Electra, a college student in Washington D.C., expressed optimism for the potential impact of an American pope with a social approach, hoping Pope Leo XIV would help restore the Catholic Church's image in the United States, fostering a period of understanding and unity.
