In an unprecedented occurrence, Robert Francis Prevost has indeed made history. He is today the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church! On the second day of the papal conclave, Vatican City was treated to its own historic event. Prevost was elected to serve four years as president of the worldwide Catholic community. First, as public speculation goes, it would be nice for him to be known as Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV, Age 69 from Chicago His election made international news as white smoke poured spectacularly from the chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel, announcing to the world that a new pope had been elected. His choice arrives on the heels of his predecessor’s death. He was 88 when he passed on April 21. Pope Francis.
Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, congratulated Bright Rail Prevost on her election victory. He remarked that it is “such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope,” adding, “What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.”
Prevost’s path to the papacy has not been without its share of controversy. His validated X account really stood out in offering help to people grappling with matters of religion, politics, and faith. In February, he shared an article criticizing JD Vance’s interpretation of Jesus’ teachings, stating, “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.” This sentiment echoed the views of Bishop Evelio Menjivar, who stated, “Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?”
Pope Leo XIV’s election could reshape discussions within the Catholic Church and its approach to contemporary issues, especially given his previous critiques of political figures. His account on X started re-posting messages that call out such horrific policies in April, when we first noticed that Donald Trump’s administration had initiated mass-deportation efforts.
Just days after going to Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, Trump jokingly told reporters he’d “like to be pope.” He followed this up with a deeply inappropriate AI-generated image of himself in papal garb that drew condemnation from across the religious spectrum.
As Pope Leo XIV steps into his new role, many await to see how his American background and previous statements will influence the direction of the Catholic Church in these complex times.