"The翻 automatic Pope" America's First and Forever Surprising Pontiff
U.S. Beaming Over Its Pope, Yet Not Unanimous Approval Across the Nation
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Skepticism and exhilaration flow through all channels. US broadcast networks share the same sentiments as the rest of the world: Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American, has been elected as the new Pope. "A man from Chicago, everyone says," notes a Vatican reporter on live TV. However, South Americans argue that he's a man from Peru.
In typical fashion, President Trump rejoices. "What an honor it is for him to be the first American Pope," Trump writes on Truth Social. Despite his Christian beliefs and lack of Catholic affiliation, the President looks forward to meeting the new Pope: "A truly significant moment!"
Trump's Emotions According to polls, about 20 percent of Americans identify as Catholics. Yet, other Christian denominations, particularly Protestantism, are more influential in the US. The Catholic Church has faced numerous crises in the US, including recent abuse scandals covered up for decades.
"Everything's lit, from the Pope on down"
The issue keeps coming up that Pope Leo XIV spoke Spanish in his first appearance, thanking his Peruvian faith community. He presented himself as Peruvian, says a commentator: Leo will be a global Pope, not an American one. Catholics in the US may not find this significant at the moment.
CBS interviewed a couple from Illinois who were in Rome purely by chance. Although they are not Catholics, they were still excited: "We didn't want to miss this historic event," they said. When asked about their thoughts on an American Pope, the man chuckled in disbelief, "It's insane" that the Pope is American.
Pastor William Lego from Chicago knew the new Pope when he was still a young seminarian in Michigan. "He's a good man," Lego said to the "New York Times," expressing surprise: "He's made a great choice."
"Welcome home soon!" wrote the mayor of the metropolis of Chicago, who joked that everything cool, including the Pope, comes from the city - in the style of a catchy American rhyme: "Everything’s lit, from the Pope on down, comes from Chicago!" Leo XIV was born in the Midwest city in 1955.
"Total Communist like Francis"
Previously, in February, Robert Prevost shared an article online criticizing Trump's close adviser, VP JD Vance. The article claimed that Vance had misunderstood Jesus' teachings on love. Vance, however, congratulated the new Pope nonetheless, expressing support and well wishes for his tenure as leader of the Church.
Laura Loomer, a prominent conservative influencer known as Trump's "whisperer," struggles to comprehend the new Pope's ideology. "He's against Trump, against MAGA, for open borders, and a total Communist like Pope Francis," she posted. Other conservatives argue that the new Pope is a registered Republican and has always voted Republican.
Teddy from New York stands on his university campus, his eyes wide as he speaks about the new Pope: "I should be studying for an exam," the 55-year-old tells ntv.de, his voice shaking. "But I couldn't focus, I was completely fixated on the Pope." Although he's not religious, Teddy was intrigued by the excitement surrounding the Pope's selection.
The rising white smoke signifies purity and hope, implies Veronica from the state of Texas: She and her daughter Jessica watched every day for updates. "A beautiful tradition," she tells ntv.de, imagining the person who first came up with this symbol.
"A Pope the Church Needs"
The fascination of Americans with the Catholic Church is evident as CBS says their farewells, after celebrating Leo XIII's election on St. Peter's Square. The reporter appears visibly moved, expressing, "This - he waves his arm - the Vatican, it's older than two thousand 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.'"
Although Pope Leo XIV's election comes just a few months after President Biden left the White House, there's an undeniable irony given that Biden is a devout Catholic, making him the second Catholic President in US history. The Democrat attends church every weekend and even traveled to Rome for Pope Francis's funeral. He narrowly missed this historic moment for the US and American Catholics as President.
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- 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, especially in light of the surprising election of an American as Pope.
- Despite the excitement and skepticism surrounding the election of the American Pope, some conservatives on social media, such as Laura Loomer, have expressed concern about his ideology, describing him as a "total Communist" like Pope Francis.
- Despite his lack of Catholic affiliation, President Trump was quick to rejoice at the election of the American Pope, seeing it as an honor for the United States and looking forward to meeting him.
- CBS interviewed a couple from Illinois who were in Rome purely by chance, and although they are not Catholics, they were still excited about the historic election of the American Pope, with the man chuckling in disbelief, "It's insane" that the Pope is American.
- In the midst of politics and general news, policy-and-legislation, entertainment, and social-media discussions, the election of an American Pope as Pope Leo XIV has stood out as a significant event, particularly for Catholics in the US and around the world.
