"The American Pope" US takes pride in their new religious leader, but opinions differ
U.S. Prides Itself in Its Pontiff, Yet Not Unanimous Admiration Nationwide
The election of the new Pope has sent shockwaves across America, with the chosen one, Pope Leo XIV, not being as traditionally American or conservative as some may have hoped. President Trump and his vice have congratulated the new leader, but a controversial right-wing voice from Trump's MAGA movement has expressed disappointment.
In the world of media, disbelief and excitement reign supreme. US television stations are shocked, much like the rest of the world, as Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American, becomes the first to hold the prestigious title. As one Vatican reporter puts it, "a man from Chicago, Americans will say, but South Americans will say: a man from Peru."
Trump, a self-proclaimed Christian, albeit not Catholic, is thrilled about the election. He's looking forward to meeting the new Pope, describing the moment as 'significant.' With around 20% of Americans identifying as Catholics, there's a sizable community eagerly anticipating the new Pope's leadership. However, the Catholic Church in the US has faced profound crises in recent years, with several abuse scandals coming to light, some of which had been covered up for decades.
Pope Leo XIV's dual identity as Peruvian and American has sparked debate. Some claim that he will be a global Pope, not an American one. This may be a moot point for American Catholics at the moment, according to one commentator. CBS television spoke live with a couple from the US state of Illinois, who, while not Catholic, were thrilled to witness the historic moment while on vacation in Rome.
Pastor William Lego from Chicago, who knew the new Pope when he was a young seminarian in Michigan, expressed his surprise and confidence in Leo's capabilities. The mayor of the metropolis of Chicago welcomed the new Pope back home, jokingly stating, "Everything cool, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!" Born in the city in 1955, Leo XIV's roots are undeniably American.
However, Leo's political views have been a subject of contention. In February, he shared an article criticizing Trump's right-hand man, JD Vance, stating that there is a hierarchy of love for Christians, according to Vance. Vance, a convert to the Catholic faith, congratulated the new Pope nonetheless.
The rise of Pope Leo XIV has sparked mixed reactions, particularly from notable conservative figures like influencer Laura Loomer, who views the new Pontiff as a "total Marxist" and "just another Marxist puppet in the Vatican." However, some have highlighted Leo's registered Republican status and past Republican voting history.
Teddy from New York, a 55-year-old non-religious individual, was captivated by the Pope's election, forgoing his studies to focus on the event. Veronica from Texas found the rising white smoke, a symbol of purity and hope, enchanting, despite her being a casual observer of Catholicism.
Some find the timing of Leo's election, just months after Joe Biden leaves the White House, to hold a certain irony. Biden, a devout Catholic, is only the second Catholic president in US history. His Catholic faith is evident in his regular church attendance, and he traveled to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. However, he missed the historic moment of America's first Catholic Pope by a narrow margin.
- Catholic Church
- Religions
- Donald Trump
- J.D. Vance
- USA
Insights:- Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, was born in Chicago and graduated from Villanova University.- He is an Augustinian friar and is known for his humility, gentle spirit, and warmth.- His election was met with broad congratulations, including from U.S. officials, but has also stirred controversy due to differing political views.- The dual identity of Pope Leo XIV as both American and Peruvian has sparked debate.- The global Catholic community and institutions like Villanova University have expressed pride and optimism about his leadership.
- Despite the controversial opinions surrounding Pope Leo XIV, Donald Trump and American officials have congratulated him, expressing a sense of national pride.
- The Catholic Church, which accounts for around 20% of Americans, is eagerly anticipating Pope Leo XIV's leadership, despite the church's recent crises.
- J.D. Vance, a convert to Catholicism, has congratulated the new Pope, even after Pope Leo XIV criticized him in an article earlier this year.
- Pope Leo XIV's election has caused a stir within the American religious landscape, but his humility, gentle spirit, and warmth are well-known among those who have known him.
- The election of the first American Pope has sparked debate on whether he will be a global Pope or an American one, with some claiming he will cater to a global Catholic community.
- Social-media influencers, celebrities, and political figures have been vocal about their opinions on Pope Leo XIV's election, expressing contention and excitement alike.
- For many Americans, Pope Leo XIV's roots are undeniably American, as he was born in Chicago and graduated from Villanova University.
- Policy-and-legislation, pop-culture, general-news, sports, and even American football (NFL and sports-betting) outlets have covered the election of Pope Leo XIV, reflecting its significance to a broad audience.
- Some have pointed out the irony of Pope Leo XIV's election happening just months after Joe Biden, the second Catholic president in US history, leaves office, narrowly missing the historic moment.
