The Catholic church is recognizing American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th leader of the papacy, going against tradition and Cardinal wisdom, which notes that the US already has a surplus of power and influence over the world. Prevost has taken the papal name Pope Leo XIV and addressed the cheering crowd at the Vatican.
Although Leo was born in South Chicago, he is said to be worldly as he’s spent most of his time outside the US, working as a diocesan bishop in Peru and leader of the Augustinian order. In 2015, he became a naturalized citizen of Peru and holds both a Peruvian and an American passport. He even addressed the public in Spanish and Italian, but not English.
Leo’s election prompted congratulations from leaders everywhere, ranging from presidents of countries like the US, Peru and even two warring countries, Russia and Ukraine, to the president of Leo’s alma mater, Villanova University. He even received recognition and praise from Chicago mayor, Brandon Johnson, holding open arms for the new pope should he ever decide to return to his hometown.
Although he was welcomed with warm hugs and open arms, people are noting that he will inevitably face scrutiny for his handling of sexual abuse cases in Peru as leader of Augustinian order.
