CliffNotes
- Catholics are celebrating the appointment of their new pope
- US-born Robert Prevost also holds Peru citizenship
- He chose the name Leo XIV
- Trump’s far-right reacting with “outrage and disgust”
Pope Leo XIV: First US Pope confirmed
What Happened
US-born Robert Prevost, who holds citizenship in both the US and Peru, has been chosen to be the next Pope – following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
The new Pope chose the name Pope Leo XIV – he is seen as a reformer and worked many years as a missionary in Peru before being made an archbishop there.
World leaders are sending their congratulations and both the US and Peru are celebrating his appointment.
Perspective
- Well wishes and congratulations are being sent from across the globe
- In the US, they are celebrating the appointment of the US-born pope
- But Donald Trump’s right-wing supporters are leading the backlash – Pope Leo has been critical of Trump
- In Peru, many are celebrating his election and claim the new Pope as their own
What Comes Next
The new Pope has been critical of the current US administration and how he navigates his homeland’s political actions with his beliefs will be interesting to watch.
He’s also faced criticism for his handling of sex abuse cases, which is likely to be brought back into the global conversation.
For many, the new Pope is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis – someone who was severely disliked by the American Republican right but having a US-born pontiff will likely win over some US support.
Pope Leo is due to hold Mass in the Sistine Chapel at 11:00 local time today.
Reactions From The Media
- The Guadian says the new Pope is being celebrated as “Peruvian” and a “second Latin American pope” as it is the country he chose – not the one he was born in. Pope Leo gained citizenship in 2015 after decades of service in the country.
- Advocate claims that appointing a US-born pope, sends a clear message to the US and Trump that the Catholic Church “stands firmly against the divisive, exclusionary, and un-Christian policies that Trump stands for.
- USA Today says the “right-wing loon-o-sphere” have reacted with “outrage and disgust” at Pope Leo being chosen as the first American-born pontiff. The new pope has criticised Trump online – in tweets that are now resurfacing.
- Al Jazeera quotes “They are looking for a mender, a mediator and also a charismatic pastor who knows how to be close to the people,” said Politi.
- Bloomberg says Pope Leo might be the “climate champion” we need noting his is likely to follow in Pope Francis’s footsteps when it comes to matters of climate change.
