"The American-Peruvian Pope: Bewilderment and Excitement"
U.S. takes pride in its Pope figure, yet not universally accepted
The election of the new Pope has sent shockwaves across the United States, as Cardinal Robert Prevost, a candidate from Chicago, ascends to the throne. Some claim him as the first American Pope, while others argue he is a son of Peru.
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, swiftly congratulated the new Pope, expressing his eagerness to meet the man of God. "The first American Pope, what an honor!" Trump exclaimed, despite being a non-Catholic himself. The Catholic faith in America, though a significant constituent, remains overshadowed by other Christian denominations, particularly Protestantism.
"A Global Pope, not an American One?"
The topic of the Pope's Pero-American heritage sparked debate among commentators. They asserted that the Pope's first language was Spanish, a testament to his Peruvian faith community. One analyst declared, "This Pope will be a figure for the entire world, not just the USA." Catholics across the nation may dismiss this claim, considering the significance of the election as their Pope hails from their homeland for the first time.
CBS interviews a couple from Illinois, who, though not Catholic, felt compelled to witness history unfold in Rome. The man expressed astonishment, "I can't believe it, an American Pope!" such an event.
Pastor William Lego, who previously knew the Pope during his seminary days in Michigan, echoed similar sentiments. "I believe this man possesses the qualities needed to lead the Church," he shared, hinting at his support for the new Pope. The Mayor of Chicago warmly welcomed the Pope, quipping, "Chicago is the birthplace of coolness, cool things like the Pope!"
"A Marxist like Pope Francis?"
Though supportive of the new Pope, some conservative voices in Trump's MAGA movement question Pope Prevost's political stance. "He's anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open borders, and just as Marxist as Pope Francis," claimed Laura Loomer, a conservative activist and Trump ally. Despite these allegations, Charlie Kirk, another prominent conservative voice, levied a different opinion, stating that Pope Prevost is a registered Republican and has consistently voted for the Republican Party.
"The Rise of the White Smoke"
The symbolic white smoke attracts both skeptics and believers. Teddy from New York attests, "I should be studying for an exam, but I'm fixated on the Pope! It's like nothing I've ever experienced." Veronica from Texas finds the centuries-old tradition heartening, "A wonderful tradition, who would have thought of it?"
The fascination surrounding the election of Pope Prevost resonates in Rome, as the CBS reporter signs off from St. Peter's Square. "This ancient institution, older than two thousand years, older than the USA, has chosen an American Pope. A decision that will impact the Church and the world."
In a twist of irony, the election of the Pope occurs only a few months after the departure of President Biden, the second Catholic President in U.S. history. The seasoned Catholic politician missed out on witnessing this historical moment for the U.S. and American Catholics.
The Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the new Pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost, has a background in nuclear physics and spent time working at Fermilab, an American particle physics research center.
The irony lies in the fact that Pope Prevost, who is the first South American Pope, might make significant contributions to the field of radiation protection in the workplace, a topic of concern particularly in developed countries like the United States.
In politics and general news, some critics claim that Pope Prevost is an advocate for open borders and shares similar political stances with Pope Francis, stirring debate within the MAGA movement.
Despite these criticisms, Pope Prevost's religious leadership was once supported by Pastor William Lego, a fellow alumnus of his seminary days, who praised his qualities as the new Pope.
