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The Vatican has made history by electing its first American Pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago was chosen by the papal conclave on Thursday, marking a significant moment in the Catholic Church's 2,000-year history. Pope Leo XIV, as he will be known, now leads the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

 

Historically, America's youth and political prominence were seen as barriers to an American pope. Robert Barron, a U.S. bishop, noted prior to the conclave that America's global influence made such an election unlikely. However, the choice of Prevost signifies a shift, reflecting the church's evolving dynamics.

 

Prevost, known for his leadership in the Dicastery for Bishops, managed the crucial role of bishop appointments. Despite concerns about his American nationality, Prevost holds dual citizenship with Peru. This additional link to Latin America may have influenced his support among the cardinal electors.

 

Prevost's election also sparks hope among Catholics for increased inclusion. Known for his compassionate stance towards marginalized groups, Prevost mirrors his predecessor, Pope Francis. However, on certain doctrines such as ordaining women, he remains conservative.

 

As the world watches, Pope Leo XIV's leadership will be pivotal in navigating the complex issues facing the church today. His election signals potential changes in how the Catholic Church engages with contemporary global challenges while respecting its traditions.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CBS News 2025-05-09

 

 

All this just so the church can attempt to give direction to the big orange buffoon.

Am I wrong to think trump will claim the election of an American Pontiff was a direct result of his being the American President?

Well, if you mean Pres. Trump, according to the Independent, the new Pope is not a fan of the present US admin.

4 hours ago, gargamon said:

All this just so the church can attempt to give direction to the big orange buffoon.

The Independent says that the new Pope is not a fan of the present US admin.

8 minutes ago, parallelman said:

The Independent says that the new Pope is not a fan of the present US admin.

 

The Pope will stay out of politics if he has any sense. 

8 minutes ago, parallelman said:

The Independent says that the new Pope is not a fan of the present US admin.

The right wing are having a meltdown on social media already electing a liberal inclusive pontiff. Fun to watch. 

20 minutes ago, Wrwest said:

Am I wrong to think trump will claim the election of an American Pontiff was a direct result of his being the American President?

I’m sure he will claim to have influenced it trump can’t help himself lol 😂 for heaven’s sake help Vance away from him lol 😂 anyway he sounds like a decent man and I hope he guides the church well and isn’t afraid to speak up when nessary perhaps afraid is the wrong word perhaps reluctant is a better choice.anyway I wish him well.

The real issue regarding the new Pope comes down to this: Which team will have God on its side, the Cubs or the White Sox?

32 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

The Pope will stay out of politics if he has any sense. 

 

His roles include providing moral guidance to his followers and standing up to injustice. I doubt either would be possible without passing political commentary. 

14 minutes ago, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

The real issue regarding the new Pope comes down to this: Which team will have God on its side, the Cubs or the White Sox?

 

And to think he was elected by the Cardinals!

 

Edit: Turns out his brother is stating that he's a White Sox fan. Makes sense. Cardinals would never elect a Cubs fan. He grew up on the South Side, so that explains it, too.

7 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

 

His roles include providing moral guidance to his followers and standing up to injustice. I doubt either would be possible without passing political commentary. 

 

I said if he has any sense. 

6 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

I said if he has any sense. 

 

Why would his most sensible option be to remain silent on political matters? 

1 minute ago, RuamRudy said:

 

Why would his most sensible option be to remain silent on political matters? 

 

Because the head of the Catholic church is not a political role. 

Thats epic !  lol

 

3 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Because the head of the Catholic church is not a political role. 

 

But as leader of the church he has to leadership and direction. To do so without political comment not feasible. 

 

And, of course, we need to consider his freedom of speech, what with it being such a hot topic these days.

Just now, RuamRudy said:

 

But as leader of the church he has to leadership and direction. To do so without political comment not feasible. 

 

Of course it is possible. Anyone with an ounce of skill as an Orator would be able to do so. 

 

Just now, RuamRudy said:

 

And, of course, we need to consider his freedom of speech, what with it being such a hot topic these days.

 

He can say what he likes. But if he has any sense he will stay away from politics and avoid expressing any "Progressive" views that contradict his role as head of the Catholic Church. 

1 hour ago, gravity101 said:

The right wing are having a meltdown on social media already electing a liberal inclusive pontiff. Fun to watch. 

That'll be a change from the left wing's constant whining since their November 5 wipeout.

I am not sure that him being originally from America is such a big deal, he is an Augustinian, which is an International Order, ( in fact he was head of them) spent much of his priesthood as a missionary in Peru, where he ended up as an Archbishop and is a naturalised Peruvian citizen.

5 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Of course it is possible. Anyone with an ounce of skill as an Orator would be able to do so. 

 

 

He can say what he likes. But if he has any sense he will stay away from politics and avoid expressing any "Progressive" views that contradict his role as head of the Catholic Church. 

 

Again you say 'if he has any sense' - what do you mean? It would sound sinister if someone with power made such a statement but from you it just seems churlish without context. What do you think might befall him should he comment on politics? 

American ... with a French name. 

Does it make any difference where they're from? 

 

3 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

 

Again you say 'if he has any sense' - what do you mean? It would sound sinister if someone with power made such a statement but from you it just seems churlish without context. What do you think might befall him should he comment on politics? 

 

I mean if he wants to be successful in the role and avoid unnecessary criticism and controversy while bringing negative publicity on himself, the position and the Catholic Church as a whole.

 

Clear enough?

 

 

19 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

I mean if he wants to be successful in the role and avoid unnecessary criticism and controversy while bringing negative publicity on himself, the position and the Catholic Church as a whole.

 

Clear enough?

 

 

 

Your sentiments are clear but your understanding of his role both as a leader in general and as the head of the Catholic church is flawed. 

 

Leadership requires the courage to stand up and challenge inequity wherever it lies. It sounds like you want a pliant, supine figurehead who simply accepts the status quo. 

3 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

It sounds like you want a pliant, supine figurehead who simply accepts the status quo. 

 

It sounds like you want a Left Wing "Progressive" Politician in the role. 

5 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

It sounds like you want a Left Wing "Progressive" Politician in the role. 

 

Although I am not Catholic, I certainly would prefer a pope who's views were aligned to my own, much as you would yours, I assume. 

 

Would you be critical of him if he turned up on the balcony of St Peter's wearing a maga hat? 

Well the new Pope's name Leo 

Sounds familiar to me here in Thailand 🍺 

8 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

Although I am not Catholic, I certainly would prefer a pope who's views were aligned to my ow

 

I guess the pope has to give that illusion that he doesn't clash with anyone's political views to retain support.

 

A tough tightrope to walk on.

8 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

 

Although I am not Catholic, I certainly would prefer a pope who's views were aligned to my own, much as you would yours, I assume. 

 

Yes from your ignorance on the subject I guessed you were not a Catholic.

 

8 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

 

Would you be critical of him if he turned up on the balcony of St Peter's wearing a maga hat? 

 

Of course I would be critical. Some of us actually have principles. 

 

The Pope should not be political. I thought I made that perfectly clear already...

13 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

 

I guess the pope has to give that illusion that he doesn't clash with anyone's political views to retain support.

 

A tough tightrope to walk on.

 

The support of his followers? I guess there is a general set of rules and tenets set by the church, but that is also evolving over time so it's his job to lead it in what he considers to be the right direction. 

 

The support of world leaders? I would hope he will be less inclined to keep silent - and there's not much any of them could do if he spoke out against any in particular 

There must be something in the water in Chicago, that it produces president (Obama), pope (Prevost), actors (Bill Murray) , musicians (Kanye West}.

 

When  you visit Chicago, my favourite city in the US, you can clearly see how excellence can thrive there. The best Chinese restaurant may also be in Chicago. Such an amazing city.