Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost made history in May 2025 when he became Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born leader of the Roman Catholic Church. His election stunned traditionalists and thrilled progressives, signaling a significant shift in the church’s global leadership. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV rose through the church’s hierarchy with a background rooted in missionary work, academic theology, and advocacy for human rights.
Before his elevation to the papacy, Prevost had a notable public presence, including a Twitter account where he voiced strong opinions on social justice issues. During Donald Trump’s presidency, he openly criticized the administration’s immigration policies, describing them as “un-Christian” and “inhumane.” He also took issue with Trump’s meeting with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who controversially offered to detain deported criminals from the United States in Salvadoran prisons. Prevost questioned the morality of outsourcing punishment in exchange for political favor, drawing backlash from conservative commentators.
Prevost also criticized J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate and now Vice President, particularly for his hardline stance on immigration and public comments regarding race and national identity. In one widely shared post, Prevost wrote that “compassion should not be partisan,” a message that resonated with many younger Catholics and social activists but angered some in the church’s traditionalist wing.
Despite his political criticisms, Pope Leo XIV is known for his commitment to unity and spiritual renewal. He has sought to heal divisions within the church, urging dialogue between conservatives and progressives. His first papal homily emphasized peace in conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza, environmental responsibility, and a renewed focus on the marginalized. “The church must walk with the poor, not lecture them from palaces,” he declared in St. Peter’s Square to thunderous applause.
Pope Leo XIV’s modern sensibility has not gone unnoticed. He was recently spotted wearing a smartwatch beneath his papal robes, a detail that quickly went viral and led to speculation about his tech-savviness. He is also rumored to be a fan of Wordle and other word games, a small but humanizing trait that has endeared him to a younger, digital-savvy generation.
Reaction to his election has been mixed but passionate. In places like Latin America, Africa, and parts of the U.S., he is celebrated as a reformer. In Rome, some conservative clergy have expressed concern that his past tweets suggest a political bent, though others counter that his words reflect Gospel values rather than partisan positions.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, he stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation. Whether he will redefine the papacy or struggle to reconcile deeply entrenched factions within the Church remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that the first American pope is not shying away from controversy or change—and the world is watching.
