The announcement of Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church has stirred excitement and debate. Born in Chicago in 1955, Prevost has taken the name Pope Leo XIV. His selection has raised questions about what it means to have an American pope and how his views may shape the Church.
Prevost was not widely known before the conclave, with his name barely appearing in discussions leading up to the event. However, his history of voting in Republican primaries has led some to label him a “strong Republican.” Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was quick to declare this, but many are now questioning that label.
In a recent post, Prevost criticized the immigration policies of both President Trump and Senator J.D. Vance. This has led to speculation about his political leanings. While he participated in Republican primaries in 2012, 2014, and 2016, he did not vote in the general elections of 2016 or 2020. This has sparked discussions on social media about whether he might have supported a different candidate, possibly even being a Never Trumper.
Kirk later walked back his claim, acknowledging Prevost’s criticisms of key Republican figures. The new pope has made his views clear on several issues. He supports gun control and environmental justice, aligning with the messages of Pope Francis. Prevost has also spoken out against racism and called for justice in the wake of social unrest following George Floyd’s death.
Prevost’s brother, John, shared insights into the new pope’s thoughts on immigration, stating that Prevost believes the U.S. is heading in the wrong direction on this issue. In a video from August 2024, Prevost addressed illegal immigration, emphasizing the need for respect and humane treatment of all individuals.
On the topic of abortion, Prevost has been clear about his stance. He believes society cannot be just while disregarding the most vulnerable, whether they are unborn children or the elderly. His commitment to pro-life values dates back to his college days when he co-founded Villanovans for Life, the oldest college pro-life group in the U.S.
The reaction to Prevost’s election has been mixed. While some celebrate the fact that he is a Chicagoan, others have used his appointment to push their own political agendas. Memes and social media posts have humorously highlighted his ties to Chicago culture, including a playful debate about his baseball loyalties between the Cubs and the White Sox.
Pope Leo XIV is fluent in five languages and has dedicated much of his life to serving the poor in Peru. He is known as the “Bishop-maker” for his role in selecting bishops under Pope Francis. His first words as pope were a simple message of peace, which many hope will resonate during a time of division.
As the American pope, Prevost brings a unique perspective to the Vatican. His views on immigration, abortion, and social justice will likely continue to spark conversations among Catholics and the broader public alike. The era of Pope Leo XIV has begun, and many are eager to see how he will lead the Church in the coming years.