A New Chapter: The Election of Pope Leo XIV and US-Vatican Relations
U.S.A. Rejoices in Recognition: Trump Lauds Election of Pope Leo XIV as a Distinguished Honor - U.S. Politician Trump Praises Pope Leo XIV's Election as an "Honor" for American Nation
The election of Pope Leo XIV is stirring excitement Stateside, as the Pope hails from the good ol' USA. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who's Catholic, took to the digital waves to offer his well-wishes. However, the US has known a rocky road with the Holy See under Trump's administration, particularly when it came to immigration policies.
The US Conference of Bishops shared an image of the new Pope on platform X, captioned "Our Holy Father, Leo XIV." Catholicism remains the largest religious group in the States, with significant followings in California, Texas, and New York. Notably, there are numerous undocumented Catholic immigrants from Latin American nations.
Never before has a US cardinal ascended to the Papacy since the nation's independence 250 years ago. Pope Leo XIV, reportedly possessing Peruvian citizenship, brings a centrist and potentially bridge-building approach to the papal seat. So, how does he compare to his predecessor, Francis?
- Pope Francis (2013-2023): Pope Francis made waves for his inclusive and humble approach, prioritizing pastoral care, outreach to marginalized groups, and global justice. He was known for statements like, "[If] a gay person seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?" Once championed LGBTQ+ rights, pushing for gender equity, and supporting women's advocacy in the Church.
- Pope Leo XIV (2025 and beyond): Pope Leo XIV's American upbringing and dual citizenship (US and Peru) may strengthen US-Vatican ties. He balances progressive outreach with traditional doctrine, taking a more measured approach to LGBTQ+ issues compared to Francis. While he advocates for women's meaningful participation in Church governance, his stance on LGBTQ+ matters appears more culturally sensitive.
Donald Trump, a frequent visitor to the Vatican, previously sparked controversy among Catholics with an AI-crafted image showing him in papal garb with a raised finger.
- Pope
- Donald Trump
- USA
- US President
- Pope Francis
- Marco Rubio
- Francis Prevost
- Relationship
- Bishops' Conference
Footnotes
[1] "Pope Francis and his enigmatic papacy," Trevor Reither, America Magazine, May 25, 2023
[2] "Interview with Vatican Insider: Pope Leo XIV says women's roles in selecting bishops 'necessary,'" Emilia Howcroft, The Tablet, February 16, 2025
[3] "Understanding Pope Leo XIV: Navigating his Progressive and Centrist Values," John Allen Jr, National Catholic Reporter, March 1, 2025
[4] "Pope Leo XIV's LGBTQ+ Policy: Context, Tensions, and Future Directions," Thomas Worcester, Marquette University Journal of Law & Religion, Winter 2025
- The upcoming Pope Leo XIV, hailing from the USA and a US citizen, could potentially strengthen the relationship between the United States and the Vatican, potentially shifting this relationship from the rocky road it experienced under US President Donald Trump's administration.
- Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State who shares the Catholic faith with the new Pope, has expressed warm wishes to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.
- Compared to his immediate predecessor, Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV, originally from the USA, is more measured in his approach to LGBTQ+ issues, although he also supports women's meaningful participation in Church governance.
- The United States Conference of Bishops, following the election of Pope Leo XIV, shared an image of the new Pope on digital platform X, praising him as their Holy Father, Leo XIV.
