First American Elected Pope and Takes Name Leo XIV

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 5:24 pm

American Cardinal Elected Pope Leo XIV: A New Era for the Catholic Church?

The Catholic Church has a new leader! In a historic move, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native, has been elected Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. This marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy, a significant moment for the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

Prevost, also a citizen of Peru, brings a unique international perspective to the role. He previously served as the Archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and spent years as a missionary in the country before becoming a naturalized citizen in 2015. His fluency in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, further underscores his global outlook.

The new Pope, a member of the Augustinians, is considered to be part of the church's progressive wing. However, reports suggest he may adopt a more moderate approach than his predecessor, Pope Francis. While sharing similar views on issues like poverty and immigration, Prevost is described as having a more reserved style.

Notably, Prevost's stance on LGBTQ+ issues differs from Pope Francis. In a 2012 speech, he expressed criticism of Western media for promoting views he considered at odds with the Gospel, including the "homosexual lifestyle."

President Donald Trump, who had previously joked about wanting to be the first American Pope, took to Truth Social to congratulate Prevost, highlighting the honor for the United States.

BNN's Perspective: This election presents a fascinating crossroads for the Catholic Church. While the appointment of an American Pope is undoubtedly a landmark event, the nuances of Leo XIV's views, particularly on social issues, will be closely watched. His potential for a more moderate approach could signal a shift in tone, but the church's core values will likely remain central. It will be interesting to see how he navigates the complexities of the modern world while upholding traditional beliefs.

Keywords: American Pope, Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Catholic Church, Chicago, Peru, Archbishop of Chiclayo, Pope Francis, progressive, moderate, LGBTQ+, Donald Trump, Vatican, Augustinians, missionary, multilingual

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