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Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment as the first American pope in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history.
The announcement came after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the decision after just four rounds of voting by 133 cardinals. Prevost, a 69-year-old Augustinian with dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship, chose the name Leo XIV, hinting at a focus on social justice akin to Pope Leo XIII’s legacy. His election has sparked mixed reactions globally, with some celebrating the milestone for American Catholics, while others, particularly conservative factions, express concern over his progressive leanings.
Pope Leo XIV has a well-documented stance on immigration, openly criticizing restrictive policies and reposting articles on X that opposed the Trump administration’s approach, including its DACA stance. On gay marriage, he appears conservative, having criticized the “homosexual lifestyle” in a 2012 address. He is staunchly anti-abortion, sharing posts critical of pro-choice positions, aligning with traditional Church teachings. His voting history shows participation in GOP primaries, including in 2016, but his social media activity suggests he likely did not support Trump, notably reposting critiques of Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric. Prevost’s background includes extensive missionary work in Peru, shaping his pastoral focus on the poor and marginalized.
As the 267th pontiff, he steps into a role leading 1.4 billion Catholics, with his first address emphasizing peace and dialogue. We want to ask you, the reader: do you approve of the new pope, Leo XIV? Answer in our poll below and comment your thoughts on his selection.
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