American Pope First in Lineage Preserved, Yet Expected to Leave Personal Mark; Allies of Leo XIV Anticipate Continuation of Predecessor's Legacy with a Unique Twist
The world was abuzz on Thursday as newly appointed Pope Leo XIV, former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. With his hand raised in greeting, he welcomed a sea of Catholics who believed he had been divinely tapped for the position. But Rev. Robert Hagan, a friend of Prevost for 25 years, recognized a familiar face in the crowd - Bob Prevost.
"It was like somebody from your family standing up there," said Hagan. "We're proud of him, but also grateful and truly understanding that he is a humble, unassuming man who was asked to tackle this monumental role, ultimately, by God."
Born in Chicago, Chosen by Providence
At 69 years old, Prevost, now leading the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, is the first US-born pope in history. His journey from America to the international stage is one of tradition-defying audacity.
"The Catholic church is reading the global map and responding in a very creative way," Dr. Massimo Faggioli, a theology and religious studies professor at Villanova University, explained to CNN's Jake Tapper.
While Prevost was considered a moderate choice as pope, his positions on issues like immigration could potentially put him at odds with President Donald Trump's administration.
"If President Trump and Vice President JD Vance wanted an American pope, Robert Prevost is not the one they wanted," Faggioli said.
The'Least American' American Cardinal
Despite his American roots, Prevost was often seen as the "least American" of the U.S. cardinals inside the Vatican. He spent over a decade working in Trujillo, Peru, and was later appointed bishop of Chiclayo. He then moved to the Vatican, serving as head of a powerful office for bishop appointments.
Trump and Vance extended congratulations to the new pope, but their contrasting views on immigration and other issues raise the possibility of discord between the White House and the Vatican.
Social Media Insights
For the past decade, a social media feed under the name of Robert Prevost reposted articles and posts critical of anti-immigration positions held by Trump and Vance. Although it's unconfirmed whether Prevost himself authored those critical posts, they offer a glimpse into his views on immigration.
Among other controversial topics, these posts took aim at past comments from Vance accusing the left of favoring migrants over American citizens, and shared stories concerning the wrongful deportation of undocumented immigrants. They also showed support for the family of George Floyd, expressing solidarity with protesters, and cautioning against violence.
A Mirror Image of Francis
Pope Leo is expected to be a reflection of his predecessor, Pope Francis, in terms of serving the poor, encouraging dialogue, and promoting missionary work. He will opt for a simpler lifestyle, shunning pomp and grandeur, and emphasizing bridge-building and peace.
Climate change, the war in Ukraine, and policies toward women and LGBTQ+ individuals are topics that Prevost is likely to address. However, the specifics of his stance on these issues remain to be seen.
In Peru, Prevost criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine, emphasized the need for dialogue, and expressed a fondness for synodality - a philosophy that encourages joint decision-making among church leaders and parishioners.
From Bobby to Pope Leo XIV
In grade school, Prevost, known as "Bobby," was a diligent, popular student. As Father Bobby, he will now unite the catholic people, serving as a bridge between factions and promoting greater understanding within the church.
Throughout his career, Prevost has demonstrated a giving soul, a calming presence, and a dedication to serving others. He will navigate the challenges of his papacy with grace and humility, guided by his steadfast faith and unwavering commitment to his role as shepherd of the worldwide Catholic community.
- Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, who was the "least American" American cardinal, will face potential conflicts with President Donald Trump's administration due to his moderate positions on issues like immigration.
- Born in Chicago, Robert Prevost's journey from America to the international stage as the first US-born pope in history is an example of traditional defiance, given his over-a-decade work experience in Trujillo, Peru, and various roles within the Vatican.
- For the past decade, a social media feed under the name of Robert Prevost has reposted articles and posts critical of anti-immigration positions held by Trump and Vance, offering a glimpse into his controversial views on immigration.
- A mirror image of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Pope Leo will serve the poor, encourage dialogue, and promote missionary work, opting for a simpler lifestyle and prioritizing bridge-building and peace.
- Known as "Bobby" in grade school, Prevost will now unite the Catholic people, serving as a bridge between factions and promoting greater understanding within the church, guided by his giving soul, calming presence, and dedication to serving others.
