May 8, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the first American pope following the death of the beloved Pope Francis. The new pope chose the name Pope Leo ⅩⅠⅤ to honor the late Italian Pope Leo ⅩⅠⅠ, most known for his Catholic social teachings, which addressed the principles of social justice and acknowledged workers’ rights. The 69-year-old from Chicago has resided in Peru for decades, speaks five languages and acts as the first American and Peruvian dual-citizen pope. As the 267th pope, Catholics around the world already view him as a proper continuation of Pope Francis’ inclusive approach to the church.
“I think it’s very interesting that there is an American pope after everything that America is going through right now and how the world has responded to current American issues. From what I’ve heard so far, the new pope gives hope to people all over the world with his opinions on social matters. I think that the world should have hope for a new beginning with this new Church leader,” magnet senior Olivia Doucette said.
Cardinal electors chose Pope Leo 33 hours after the Sistine Chapel doors closed, indicating a fairly quick decision to appoint the new head of the church. Previously the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in the Vatican, Pope Leo ⅩⅠⅤ served as the Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru and as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Callao, Peru. Recently, the city of New Orleans honored the new pope in a Creole of color celebration due to his heritage and ties to the city.
The pope’s past comments and critiques on President Donald Trump have caused discussions, leading politicians, such as political strategist Steve Bannon, to predict tension between the president and the newly appointed head of the church. However, other public figures, such as journalist and talk show host Megyn Kelly, who also lean right, acknowledge the logic behind the previous comments, stating that the new pope may act as an open-minded.
“One of the first things I heard about the new pope was his resurfaced comments on Donald Trump. Then, I heard about his thoughts on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and thought he seemed very awake in a blinded world. I think that Pope Leo ⅩⅠⅤ will be a proper new head of the Catholic Church because of his views and opinions. While Pope Francis was extremely influential on the world, there’s no need to compare him to Pope Leo ⅩⅠⅤ, since they will eventually both have created a long-lasting legacy,” senior Abigail Burgess said.
When choosing the pope, Cardinal Joseph Tobin stated in a press conference that when appointing the new head of the church, the six American cardinals considered what the church needs, what the world needs and what the world dreams about. With his mindful opinions on AI and his thoughts on a ceasefire in Gaza, the new pope adheres to the cardinals’ concerns. Beginning his newfound papacy, Pope Leo ⅩⅠⅤ begins to guide the church toward unity under a shared faith.
