In a historic and momentous event for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, has become the first-ever American pope in the history of the Vatican. Chosen as the 267th pontiff on May 8, 2025, Pope Leo has quickly made waves in the global media, not just for his historic election but also for something unexpected—his unmistakably American accent, which he showcased during his first Mass as the new Bishop of Rome.
This milestone marks the first time in centuries that the papacy is held by someone from the United States, and it has sparked both excitement and surprise among Catholics and non-Catholics alike. While many celebrated the significance of an American pope, others were caught off guard by his accent when he delivered his first speech in English during the Mass on May 9, 2025.
The Speech that Surprised the World
The world has long been accustomed to popes with European accents, often Italian, Spanish, or Latin American. But when Pope Leo spoke in English with a distinct Chicago accent, it caught the attention of social media users, some of whom were stunned by the sound of the papal voice.
One X (formerly Twitter) user shared, “The new Pope speaking in English with an American accent!!! What a jolt for me.” Another user chimed in, “The Pope is speaking English, with an American accent.” For some, the sight of an American pope addressing the masses with such familiarity was almost too much to reconcile with the centuries-old traditions of the Vatican. “The pope is gonna have an American accent and for some reason that is cracking me up like no other. The Pope should not be an American,” one commenter joked.
Others were even more critical, with one person writing, “You simply cannot be Pope if you have an American accent.” The reactions continued to flood in, with some saying it didn’t sit right with them to hear a Pope with an American twang, especially when reading Latin during Mass. Another comment read, “I can’t imagine a Pope with an American accent when reading Latin. It’s horrible.”
While many of these reactions are playful, they also highlight the cultural shift that Pope Leo XIV represents. A pope from the United States brings a new layer of complexity to the papacy, one that some might find difficult to reconcile with centuries of tradition.
The Legacy and Beliefs of Pope Leo XIV
Despite the initial surprise surrounding his accent, Pope Leo’s election is historically significant for other reasons. Not only is he the first American pope, but his choice of papal name was also symbolic, paying homage to Pope Leo XIII, a pontiff known for his commitment to social justice during a time of great societal upheaval, including the rise of Marxism and widespread immigration in the late 19th century.
Pope Leo XIV’s belief system and priorities align with his namesake’s legacy, particularly his commitment to social justice, poverty alleviation, and advocacy for the marginalized. Pope Leo XIV has long been an advocate for immigration, expressing strong support for those fleeing war, persecution, and poverty. Much like Pope Leo XIII, Pope Leo XIV believes that the Church must take an active role in supporting the disenfranchised, calling for more humane immigration policies and a focus on economic equality.
On LGBTQ+ rights, Pope Leo XIV has taken a traditional Catholic stance. In 2012, he criticized the entertainment industry for promoting what he referred to as “the homosexual lifestyle,” emphasizing that such views are at odds with the teachings of the Church. His stance, however, is nuanced, as he has spoken about the need for empathy and respect for individuals, even as the Church maintains its traditional teachings on family and marriage.
As for poverty, Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to the poor is rooted in his background as a former leader of the Order of St. Augustine, a religious community dedicated to poverty, service, and evangelization. His views align with those of his predecessor, Pope Francis, particularly in their shared desire to address global inequality and economic injustice.
Women in the Church: A New Era?
One of the most eagerly anticipated aspects of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy is his stance on the role of women in the Church. As a progressive voice within the Catholic hierarchy, he has expressed support for Pope Francis’ decision to allow women to join the Dicastery for Bishops, a historical decision that marked a major step forward for female participation in the governance of the Church. Pope Leo XIV has also acknowledged that women’s perspectives are essential in shaping the Church’s mission, and it is expected that he will continue to advocate for women’s greater involvement in various roles within the Vatican.
Climate Change: A Call for Action
Another key issue for Pope Leo XIV is climate change. In 2024, he made headlines by calling for concrete actions to address the environmental crisis, stating that it was time to move from words to action. Pope Leo has been vocal about the need for the Church to take a strong stance on climate issues, and it is expected that he will continue the work of Pope Francis in advocating for environmental justice. His position is clear: the Church must be a leading force in combating climate change, a crisis that disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable populations.
The American Pope’s Impact on Global Catholicism
As the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV’s influence on the global Catholic community will be significant. His election represents a shift in the cultural and geographic focus of the Church, which has traditionally been led by European and Latin American clergy. His American roots will likely impact the way the Vatican interacts with the United States and the wider world, particularly in terms of global politics and social issues.
While some may find it difficult to adjust to the idea of a pope with an American accent, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives to the challenges facing the Church today. His advocacy for the poor, marginalized, and those impacted by climate change will resonate with many Catholics around the world, particularly in the United States, where these issues are increasingly at the forefront of political and social discourse.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV’s papacy marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Vatican. As the first American pope, his leadership will be scrutinized by the global Catholic community and beyond. While his accent may have caused some initial surprise, it is his beliefs and policies that will define his legacy. From advocating for immigrants to addressing climate change, Pope Leo XIV is poised to continue the work of his predecessors while bringing a new voice to the papacy—one that reflects the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how Pope Leo XIV balances tradition with innovation in leading the Catholic Church into a new era. Whether through his stance on immigration, his views on climate change, or his commitment to poverty alleviation, Pope Leo XIV is ready to make his mark on history, ensuring that the values of social justice and inclusion remain central to the Church’s mission.
