"Yank Popes Up": The USA's First Pontiff - Not Everyone's Holy Grail
Shockwaves in the States as Cardinal Prevost is chosen as Pope Leo XIV
U.S. Boasts of Its Pope Figurehead, Yet Not Unanimous in Approval
TV networks worldwide are buzzing with the news of the new Pontiff, yet in the United States, the shock is palpable. The Vatican's newest resident is Cardinal Robert Prevost, hailing from the Land of the Free... or is he? A Vatican journalist eggs on the confusion, stating, "To Americans, he's a man from Chicago. To Peruvians, he's a man from Peru."
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, dons his best federal maestro attitude and delivers a congratulatory message on his Truth Social platform, enthusing, "It's a massive honor that he's the first American Pope!" Interestingly, Trump identifies as a Christian; however, he is not a Catholic. Despite his religious differences, he expresses a keen interest in meeting the new leader of the Catholic faith, promising it will be a defining moment.
Leo XIV: The Elephant in the Cathedral
Around 20% of Americans identify as Catholics, but Protestantism maintains a strong presence. In recent years, the Catholic Church in the U.S. has faced multiples scandals, with sexual abuse cases garnering significant attention.
Upon embracing the mantle of Pope Leo XIV, the new Pontiff demonstrated his Spanish fluency, sparking heated debates amongst the faithful. One commentator suggests that Leo will be a global Pope rather than an American one, which may not matter much to American Catholics at present.
CBS News captures the excitement of a couple from Illinois, non-Catholics who happened to be in Rome and couldn't miss the historic event. The man erupts in disbelief, calling it "amazing" that their great nation could boast such an influential figure.
An Ancient Institution Meets the Old and the New
Long-time acquaintance Pastor William Lego from Chicago shares that he and the new Pope share a history. Lego admits to being fascinated by his old seminary buddy and expresses optimism about his new role, sounding a tad surprised, "I reckon my pal knows what he's doing." In February, Pope Leo XIV publicly criticized Vice President JD Vance's dismissive religious hierarchy views.
Vance, a convert to Catholicism, sends a gracious congratulatory message, stating, "Millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful tenure at the helm of the Church."
Yet, not everyone is rolling out the welcome mat. Conservative influencer Laura Loomer rejects the new Pontiff, vehemently criticizing his supposed Marxist leanings and opposition to her beloved MAGA ideology. Her conclusion: "The Vatican just got another Marxist puppet." Charlie Kirk counters Loomer's accusations, insisting that the new Pope is a registered Republican.
"Even the Pope is Cool"
Beyond Trump, other notable figures express shared sentiments, hoping for a chance to meet the new Pope. Chicago's mayor extends a warm invitation, playfully boasting about the city's culture and influence: "Everything cool, even the Pope, comes from Chicago!" Remember, Pope Leo XIV spent his formative years in the Windy City.
Fascination with the Catholic Church oozes from a CBS reporter as he wraps his live report, proclaiming the Vatican's age and legacy: "It's older than two thousand years, older than any human, much older than the USA. And this institution has chosen an American Pope - the Pope the Church needs."
In a strange twist of fate, the election of Pope Leo XIV comes mere months after the departure of Catholic devotee Joe Biden from the White House. Although Biden doesn't hold the title of America's first Catholic President, he did serve as the second, following John F. Kennedy. As the first American Pope, Leo XIV may have a unique opportunity to reshape the Catholic Church's perception among American Catholics.
[1] ntv.de, lwe/rpe with dpa
- Catholic Church
- Churches
- Religions
- Donald Trump
- J.D. Vance
- USA
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, as the Catholic Church, which just elected its first American Pope, Leo XIV, navigates its public image and potential impact on the religious landscape in the United States.
- The election of Pope Leo XIV, a man from Chicago by Peruvian standards, has cultivated an air of irony as some Americans congratulate him despite their religious differences, while others like Laura Loomer remain critical, labeling him a Marxist puppet.
- In the midst of political turmoil and ongoing controversies over war-and-conflicts, Pope Leo XIV's election presents an opportunity for the Vatican to engage in general news discussions, advocating for the environment and addressing issues facing American Catholics, including the criticisms of conservative influencers like Loomer.
- The choice of Cardinal Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, who shares a history with William Lego, a prominent Chicago pastor, creates a unique situation where the older and more traditional Catholic Church meets the political landscape of the USA, as leaders such as Donald Trump and Joe Biden follow the events unfolding at the Vatican with curiosity and interest.
