Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost created a new precedent by his election as Pope Leo XIV. That historic step happened on the second day of the papal conclave in Vatican City. At 69 years of age, Prevost would be the first American-born pope in the Church’s nearly 2,000-year history. His election comes in the wake of the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88 years.
White smoke billowed from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that a new pontiff had been elected. This was the moment that heralded the proclamation of Pope Leo XIV’s election. Prevost, originally from Chicago, comes to StreetBlog with a long history of activism and organizing. He is no stranger to service, having worked in prisons, churches, and communities across the globe.
Pope Leo XIV’s election has roused impressive reactions from both sides of the aisle, even reaching former President Donald Trump. The move was received with great fanfare by Trump himself, who wrote on his platform Truth Social,
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.”
As nice as these words from Trump are, Pope Leo XIV hasn’t always been on the former president’s side. In fact, the new pope’s X account was quite critical of Trump’s administration, especially the attempt of mass deportation.
“It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.”
Pope Leo XIV’s account on X shared an article in February that took issue with Senator JD Vance’s interpretation of Jesus’ teachings. The post included the statement,
Vance, who became Catholic himself in 2019, has now come under fire from the new pope as well.
“JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
Beyond these specific critiques of Vance, Bishop Pope Leo XIV’s X/Bird account reshared a tweet quoting Bishop Evelio Menjivar. The statement underscored the moral imperative to act in response to human suffering in saying,
Trump’s relationship with the Church has been under the microscope as of late. Look what he got started with that one little act—donning the disguise of a double-crossing grifter! Just days after returning from Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, Trump made the quip to journalists. He jokingly declared that he would “like to be pope.”
“Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?”
Pope Leo XIV arrives to his new role during a unique period filled with both unprecedented challenges and opportunities for the Church. His leadership will be an inspiring thing to behold as he is sure to find himself juggling profound ecclesiastical and societal issues on a world stage.
Pope Leo XIV steps into his new role at a time of significant challenges and opportunities for the Church. His leadership will be closely watched as he navigates both ecclesiastical and social issues on a global scale.
Leave a Reply