Since the United States was founded in 1776, 17 popes have presided over the Catholic Church. Until May 8, 2025, none of the men who held the post in the Vatican had been from the United States.
History was made that day when Robert Prevost emerged on the balcony and proclaimed to the thousands of people from around the world who had assembled below in St. Peter’s Square: “La pace sia con tutti voi.” Pope Leo XIV‘s first words were “Peace be with you all.”
Prevost‘s election was stunning news because no one thought an American would or could become Pope. Yet, this son of Chicago‘s South Side won the majority vote of the conclave.
The 267th Bishop of Rome succeeds Pope Francis, who was socially liberal yet held church doctrine true to his heart.
He was one of the most liberal and controversial Catholic leaders ever, according to those who analyze church politics. Leo’s politics are thought to be even more moderate.
His first remarks offered some clues to his papacy.
“We can be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, that is always open to receive everyone,” Pope Leo said.
WATCH: Press play below to hear Leo XIV’s first remarks as Pope
It‘s curious why there hasn’t been a Pope from the United States in 249 years.
Those in the know will tell you it might be because the United States already has considerable world influence politically, culturally and economically. So, the worry might be that having an American as Pope might give the U.S. too much religious power as well.
Politically charged papacy?
Pope Leo’s global and domestic influence will be measured and scrutinized by the church’s 1.4 billion members around the world.
He assumes the role as leader of the Catholic Church at a time when modern life is as politically charged as ever.
From conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, to migration, the climate crisis and schisms in the church, Leo’s honeymoon period will be short.
A key task will be to strengthen unity within the church amid growing polarization in the world and different views and expectations within the church.
Some observers believe there is a real risk of schism after 20 years in which there have been popes on either end of the spectrum: the traditional/conservative Benedict XVI, and the liberal/progressive Francis.
Key questions remain to be answered. Will the new pope be a unifying figure, reaching out to both traditionalists and progressives?
The legacy of sexual abuse cast a long shadow over Francis’ papacy. That pain has not gone away. Leo’s approach will be under intense scrutiny.
There’s the issue of Vatican finances. There are two things that Pope Leo needs to give his attention to: general oversight and transparency. There was significant progress under Pope Francis, but there’s still more to do.
Another key split is between those who believe the church should welcome everyone — including those whose lives don’t match traditional church teachings — and those who think that only those committed to unwavering Catholic doctrine should be admitted into the church’s fold. It could be a source of tension that the new Pope will have to navigate.
Another issue on the radar may be women in the church. Francis appointed women to key Vatican posts but stopped short of having them serve as priests or deacons.
While women played a role in Leo’s first Mass at the Sistine Chapel, church observers say it is doubtful that an expanded role is on the horizon.
For perspective, Leo is from a more progressive, inclusive wing of Catholicism. He preaches peace and the importance of building bridges, though it appears he still holds traditional Catholic views on LGBTQ+ issues.
American with an international viewpoint
The reality is that the “American” Pope might have been born on Chicago‘s South Side, but the better part of his life has been rooted in the Latin American experience. That means he has a global outlook. American by birth, with an international view, if you will.
It will still be interesting to see how he straddles the two worlds, especially considering President Donald Trump‘s agenda.
The authors of a number of published articles suggest Leo’s agenda is in contrast to the America First agenda of the Trump administration.
The late Pope Francis challenged Trump on immigration, climate change and poverty.
The Chicago-born Robert Prevost already tangled with Vice President J.D. Vance when he was a Cardinal. In February, a social media account under then-Cardinal Prevost‘s name challenged Vance on X, repeating a headline from The National Catholic Reporter: “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
That said, Trump immediately praised Leo’s selection, posting on Truth Social: “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
But political and church analysts say conflicts are expected because the world is very unsettled right now.
Some Catholic Church observers say Leo is stylistically different from Francis and likely to take a more measured approach than Francis, who was more outspoken. So, how Leo deals with issues with America’s handling of things on the global stage, such as slashing foreign aid and staying out of global conflicts, remains to be seen.
What will be Leo’s legacy?
Pope Leo will also have to deal with divisions within the Catholic Church.
Before the conclave, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said that during gatherings of the College of Cardinals in the days before the conclave they emphasized the need for a pope with “a prophetic spirit capable of leading a Church that does not close in on itself but knows how to go out and bring light to a world marked by despair.”
Ironically, when Prevost won approval from the conclave and chose the name Leo, it answered how he might address that need and more.
After the conclave, Bruni said: The choice of name “is a clear reference to the modern social doctrine of the Church, which began with Rerum Novarum.”
He said the name Leo was a deliberate reference to “men, women, their work, and workers in an age of artificial intelligence.” That is an interesting juxtaposition because it seems to link the pace of technological change of the current era to that of the 19th century.
All things considered, there is little doubt that Pope Leo XIV is his own man. A man of strong convictions. And if nothing else will be a moral voice for the Vatican.
Fr. Tom Willis from the Diocese of St. Augustine joins me for this week’s episode of Politics & Power to discuss all that is ahead for Pope Leo and the Catholic Church.
Watch at 7 p.m. or 9 p.m. Tuesday on News4JAX+ or catch it anytime on demand on News4JAX+, News4JAX,com or the News4JAX YouTube Channel.