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Pope Leo: The First American Pope and His Historic Address in English
In an unprecedented moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo, made history as the first American to ascend to the papacy. Elected as the 267th pontiff on Thursday, May 8, Pope Leo’s first Mass the following day marked an emotional and culturally significant event for the Catholic community and the world at large.
What truly captivated audiences across the globe was Pope Leo’s decision to deliver his speech in English during his inaugural Mass. His Chicago accent, unusual for a pope, caught many by surprise and sparked a flood of reactions on social media. The reaction to the American accent was immediate and overwhelming, with users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) expressing surprise and even humor at hearing the Pope speak in his native language.
While Pope Leo’s choice of English for his inaugural speech was noted for its distinctiveness, the underlying implications of his election go far beyond language. The 69-year-old pontiff’s background, beliefs, and approach to leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of the Catholic Church, as he brings both American values and global perspectives to the papacy.
The Rise of Pope Leo: A Chicago Native’s Journey to the Papacy
Pope Leo, born in Chicago, Illinois, made history as the first American to be elected Pope. His election to the papacy on May 8, 2025, came shortly after the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday (April 21, 2025). His selection followed a swift conclave process, where 133 cardinals from around the world voted to elect him as the next spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The transition from the late Pope Francis to Pope Leo was smooth, with the new pontiff being widely regarded as a moderate who is committed to the social justice ideals championed by his predecessor.
Before his election, Cardinal Prevost, now Pope Leo, was known for his leadership within the Augustinian Order, a position that granted him significant influence within the Catholic community. As the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, he was deeply engaged in the work of poverty alleviation, service, and evangelization. His prior role also showcased his long-standing commitment to the poor and marginalized, a stance he continues to uphold in his papacy.
A Pope with an American Accent: Reactions to Pope Leo’s Speech
The most immediate and striking reaction to Pope Leo’s first Mass was his use of English, and more specifically, his Chicago accent. For centuries, popes have been known for their Italian accents and their strong connection to the Vatican’s historical and cultural roots. Therefore, Pope Leo’s American accent during his inaugural speech was an unexpected development that stirred strong reactions from the public.
One user on X remarked, “The new Pope speaking in English with an American accent!!! What a jolt for me.” Another post humorously added, “The Pope is speaking English, with an American accent.” The reaction from the public was overwhelmingly one of surprise, with many noting that the idea of an American pope speaking English seemed to break with centuries of tradition.
Some users found the American accent particularly amusing, with one commenting, “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.” Another post echoed this sentiment, saying, “You simply cannot be Pope if you have an American accent.”
However, others were quick to highlight the cultural significance of the moment. One person observed, “A Pope with any American twang is really interesting, culturally,” and another echoed, “An American pope with an American accent doesn’t sit right with me…”
The mixed responses reflect a broader cultural and social shift that the Catholic Church is undergoing under Pope Leo’s leadership. His election as the first American pope is not just a symbolic moment but an indication that the Church is evolving to reflect the global nature of its followers, including those from the United States.
Pope Leo’s Beliefs and His Commitment to Social Justice
Pope Leo is widely seen as a moderate when it comes to Catholic social issues, particularly those concerning poverty, immigration, and the role of the LGBTQ+ community. His views align closely with those of Pope Francis, especially in terms of advocating for the poor and vulnerable. Pope Leo has been vocal about the need for social justice, particularly in the areas of immigration, climate change, and the role of women in the Church.
Immigration and Advocacy for Migrants
One of Pope Leo’s core beliefs is his strong stance on immigration and support for migrants. He has previously condemned the harsh immigration policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly his treatment of immigrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border. Pope Leo has repeatedly called for more compassionate treatment of migrants and refugees, emphasizing that the Church should serve as a voice for the voiceless.
One of the posts that Pope Leo retweeted from Cardinal Blase J. Cupich in 2018 strongly criticized Trump’s family separation policies, stating: “There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents and warehouses them in cages. This is being carried out in our name and the shame is on us all.”
His focus on immigration issues aligns with his broader vision of social justice, which advocates for dignity and respect for all people, regardless of their background or nationality.
LGBTQ+ Rights: A Changing View?
In the past, Pope Leo has expressed criticisms of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly with regard to the portrayal of homosexuality in media and the Church’s stance on same-sex relationships. In 2012, he criticized entertainment media for its support of what he described as “alternative families” and the “homosexual lifestyle.” Whether these views have evolved in his time as Pope remains uncertain, but there are indications that Pope Leo may adopt a more inclusive stance moving forward.
Given the evolving social climate, it is likely that Pope Leo’s views on LGBTQ+ issues will continue to evolve. His papacy will likely be scrutinized on this front as LGBTQ+ advocates push for more inclusive policies within the Church.
Poverty: A Legacy of Service and Evangelization
Pope Leo’s background in the Order of St. Augustine has shaped his views on poverty. The Augustinian Order has long been dedicated to service, and Pope Leo has continued this tradition by focusing on alleviating poverty and advocating for the marginalized. His papacy promises to maintain this emphasis, with a clear focus on the Church’s role in providing for the poor and advocating for systemic changes to address economic inequality.
Pope Leo has drawn attention to the need for the Church to uphold its teachings on poverty and to focus on the needs of those who are most disadvantaged. His leadership style will likely emphasize social outreach, community service, and advocacy for those living in poverty.
Controversial Tweets and Public Stance on Donald Trump
Pope Leo’s views on former U.S. President Donald Trump are well-documented. His tweets condemning Trump’s policies have resurfaced during his election, highlighting the differences between the two figures. Pope Leo has expressed deep concerns about Trump’s actions, particularly in regard to his treatment of immigrants and the environment. Given these prior condemnations, it is unlikely that Pope Leo will be an ally of Trump in the future, especially when it comes to issues of social justice and the protection of vulnerable populations.
The Role of Women in the Church
Pope Leo’s approach to the role of women in the Church has garnered significant attention. In 2023, he made statements in support of women’s participation in Church leadership, noting that their perspectives have enriched the Church’s mission. Specifically, Pope Leo supported Pope Francis’ decision to allow women to join the Dicastery for Bishops for the first time. This decision marked a significant step in the ongoing discussion about women’s roles within the Catholic Church, and Pope Leo’s continued advocacy for women’s inclusion will be closely watched.
Climate Change and Pope Leo’s Call for Action
Pope Leo has made strong statements about the need for action on climate change. In 2024, he called for a shift from rhetoric to action, emphasizing the need for concrete steps to address the environmental crisis facing the planet. His stance on climate change reflects the growing urgency of environmental issues and aligns with Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’. Pope Leo’s leadership will likely continue to focus on environmental stewardship as a central tenet of his papacy.
Conclusion: Pope Leo’s Impact on the Catholic Church
Pope Leo’s election as the first American pope marks a turning point for the Catholic Church. His leadership promises to bring fresh perspectives on critical issues such as immigration, poverty, climate change, and social justice. While his Chicago accent and American background have raised eyebrows, Pope Leo’s papacy signals a new era of inclusivity and engagement with the modern world.
As Pope Leo navigates the complexities of Church leadership, his views on LGBTQ+ rights, women in the Church, and his advocacy for the marginalized will shape his legacy. His commitment to social justice and the Church’s role in addressing global challenges will define his papacy for years to come, leaving a lasting impact on the faithful and the world.
