Robert Francis Prevost, hailing from the United States, was elected as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first American to hold the position. Taking the name Leo XIV, he greeted the enthusiastic crowd in St. Peter’s Square with the words, “Peace be with you.” His election defied the long-held belief that a global superpower’s representative would never be chosen as a pope due to the significant influence they already possess. The Vatican’s choice of an American Pope sparked the breaking of old taboos, as expressed by the Rome bureau chief, Jason Horowitz.
In light of ideological divisions within the church over the continuation of Pope Francis’s inclusive agenda or a return to conservative doctrine, Prevost was seen as a balanced choice. His speech to the assembly emphasized the need for building bridges and was met with celebration not only at the Vatican but also in Chicago, where he was born, and Peru, where he spent over two decades. President Trump hailed the selection as a great honor for the United States.
More about Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, reveals a life largely spent abroad, with service as a missionary, parish priest, teacher, and bishop in Peru. He even became a Peruvian citizen and headed a crucial Vatican office until the death of Pope Francis. In the coming days, Leo (formerly Cardinal Prevost) is set to celebrate Mass, recite a prayer, and meet with journalists at the Vatican.
The implications of an American pope extend beyond Rome, with potential shifts in international relations and power dynamics. The church’s global approach and policies may now carry the influence of the United States, offering a fresh perspective on global challenges.
In addition to the historical election of Leo XIV, the global landscape is marked by significant diplomatic and political shifts. The concept of an American pope opens a new chapter in the relationship between global superpowers and the Catholic Church, stirring intrigue and conversation around the world.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/09/briefing/pope-trade-tate-modern.html
